Vietnam will amend regulations to simplify work permit applications for foreign workers so that work permits will be issued in the shortest possible time, said Minister of Labor, War Invalids, and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung.

At the 25th Vietnam Business Forum 2023 held in Hanoi on Sunday, Minister Dung said the national government had already assigned his ministry to amend and supplement Decree 152 on foreign workers in Vietnam in the third quarter of this year.

Following the amendment and supplementation, work permit issuance regulations are expected to be loosened with the enhanced decentralization for agencies.

However, foreign experts and managers will receive priority, the minister added. 

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh said his government will simplify visa regulations for foreigners.

Regulations will be amended to support foreign laborers, the government chief said, adding that local regulations will not be strict due to several violators.

Gabor Fluit, chairman of the European Chamber of Commerce in Vietnam (Eurocham Vietnam), earlier proposed Vietnam should simplify work permit issuance procedures to attract and retain talents.

It is unreasonable if foreigners who have been living, working, and investing in Vietnam for years and have repeatedly received work permits fail to have their work permits renewed due to minor procedure-related issues, Fluit noted. 

According to Hong Sun, chairman of the Korea Chamber of Business in Vietnam, it takes two to three months to get a work permit.

Some people have to spend six months as they have to complete supplemental procedures.

Therefore, the related agencies should give accurate and consistent instructions on needed dossiers, Hong added.

Hong also mentioned the minimum global corporate tax, saying that if the tax is applied in Vietnam, it should be included in laws soon.

In addition, solutions to support investors should be worked out.

Many countries may start imposing the minimum global corporate tax of 15 percent next year. 

In response, Dang Ngoc Minh, deputy head of the General Department of Taxation, said Vietnam has kept a close watch on other countries’ moves and the Vietnamese government has established a working team including representatives of ministries, agencies, and enterprises to support companies.

First, Vietnam will levy the minimum global corporate tax on firms based on the framework of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

In the middle term, the Ministry of Finance will propose issuing preferential tax policies by funding labor training courses, and supporting green growth and environmental protection. 

PM Chinh said the government will issue appropriate policies this year based on reality and lessons from other countries’ experience, paving the way for foreign enterprises to operate in Vietnam and contribute more to the country without affecting their benefits.

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