VIETNAM – Expansion of the Department of Home Affairs’ role and immigration process changes. 

March 7, 2025

By: Patricia Clarino, Senior Manager, Newland Chase Advisory.

Vietnam has undertaken a major political and administrative restructuring effort aimed at streamlining government functions and improving efficiency. As part of these reforms, the Vietnamese government issued Decree No. 25/2025/NĐ-CP, which took effect on March 1, 2025, transferring key responsibilities from the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). This shift is expected to impact processes related to the management of foreign workers and labor regulations.

Key changes affecting foreign workers and employers.

Transfer of work permit management to the MHA.

• The Ministry of Home Affairs now oversees the processing and issuance of work permits for foreign workers in Vietnam. Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted to the MHA instead of the previously responsible provincial Departments of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs (DOLISA).
• While the restructuring has taken effect, most personnel handling work permit processing have been retained to ensure continuity and prevent disruptions.
• In Ho Chi Minh City, Job Position Approval (JPA) and Work Permit Exemption Certificate (WPEC) applications no longer require physical submission after online filing. Approved JPA results are now provided electronically with a digital signature, eliminating the need for in-person collection. WPECs, however, still require in-person collection at a designated service counter, and failure to retrieve the certificate within 30 days may result in revocation.
• Traditional work permit applications still require both online and physical submissions.

Judicial Record and Police Clearance Certificate (PCC) process under Ministry of Public Security.

• The Ministry of Public Security (MPS) has assumed responsibility for managing judicial record services, including the issuance of Police Clearance Certificates (PCCs) for foreigners residing in Vietnam.
• A new MPS portal for online PCC applications is being finalized, which, once operational, will enable foreigners to submit applications digitally without incurring fees.
• Until the portal launch, urgent cases must still be handled in person at designated service centers, where applications require a fee of 200,000 VND. Due to high demand, in-person submissions may involve long wait times.

Implications of government restructuring.

Operational changes and potential disruptions.

• Submission and collection points for work permit-related applications have changed, with DOLISA one-stop service counters relocating to branches of municipal Public Administration Service Centers.
• While the new processes aim to improve efficiency, short-term disruptions and delays are likely due to adjustments in administrative decision-making and personnel shifts.
• Employers and foreign workers should stay informed of evolving regulations and procedural updates to avoid unnecessary delays.

Long-term goals and structural reforms.

• This restructuring aligns with broader government efforts to streamline decision-making, enhance service delivery, and reduce bureaucratic complexity.
• The Vietnamese government has expressed its intention to reduce the number of subordinate government agencies and officers through voluntary departures.
• Additional administrative mergers and consolidations at the provincial and municipal levels are expected toward the end of 2025 or early 2026.

Recommendations for employers and foreign workers.

• Stay updated: Monitor official announcements and updates regarding submission requirements, processing locations, and online system implementations.
• Plan ahead: Expect potential delays in work permit and PCC processing during the transition period. Employers should submit applications as early as possible to mitigate any impact on workforce mobility.
• Utilize online systems: Where available, opt for online submission to streamline processing and reduce the need for in-person interactions.
• Engage immigration experts: Given the evolving regulatory environment, consulting with immigration specialists can help ensure compliance with new procedures and avoid administrative hurdles.

Vietnam’s restructuring of its administrative functions marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to managing labor and immigration processes. While the transition may present temporary challenges, the government’s long-term goal is to create a more efficient, streamlined system. Employers and foreign workers should remain proactive in adapting to these changes to ensure compliance and minimize potential disruptions.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.