Vietnam Overseas Workers Face Soaring Travel Costs: Brokerage Fees Exceed 50% of Total Expenses

A recent report titled “In-depth analysis of costs paid by Vietnamese workers to work abroad” has revealed that in 2025, the average Vietnamese worker will have to pay approximately VND 125.7 million to work abroad. This figure shows a decrease compared to the VND 164.9 million paid in 2021. The report emphasizes that brokerage fees constitute a significant portion of these expenses, often exceeding 50% of the total amount spent by laborers. This high cost is a major obstacle for many Vietnamese citizens seeking employment opportunities overseas. While overseas labor is a vital source of foreign remittances and contributes to economic development in Vietnam, the substantial upfront costs deter many potential workers. The government, operating under a one-party system, is aware of the need to address these issues to protect its citizens and ensure fair labor practices. Efforts to regulate recruitment agencies and reduce illegal fees are ongoing, but the complexity of the market and the demand for overseas work mean that these costs remain a persistent challenge. The reduction in these fees is crucial for making overseas employment more accessible and beneficial for a larger segment of the Vietnamese population.