Decree 371/2026: new hiring steps for foreign organisations from November 15

Foreign organizations that employ Vietnamese workers will follow a new set of procedures under Government Decree 371/2026, which takes effect on November 15, 2026. It applies to foreign organizations and individuals operating in Vietnam, including non-governmental organizations. The rules are adopted but not yet in force.

Before hiring

An organization must notify the relevant authority of its hiring needs. It must also publish its vacancies on the National Employment Exchange at vieclam.gov.vn, or on another approved portal.

After a contract is signed

• Within 10 working days of signing a labor contract, the employer must send the employee's details to the Division of Labour Management for Diplomatic Corps.
• The division then issues a confirmation within a further 10 working days.
• The employee's file must contain a personal information form, a copy of the labor contract and a certificate showing completion of a program on state policies and laws.

Ongoing duties

Employers must help employees complete their records. They must report to the division before December 15 each year. If they use labor subleasing services, they must notify the authorities within seven working days.

Ending a contract

When a contract ends, the employer must inform the authorities within 10 working days and state the reason.

What it means for residents

This decree concerns foreign organizations as employers, rather than foreigners as workers. Expats who run or manage an NGO, representative office or similar body in Ho Chi Minh City, and who hire Vietnamese staff, may need to adjust their hiring and record-keeping before November 15. The source does not detail penalties or transition arrangements, so employers should confirm the exact requirements with the relevant authority.

Source: Vietnam News.