The Hanoi Department of Home Affairs (DOHA) has issued a new Decision changing which government body is responsible for handling certain foreign labour procedures. From June 20, 2026, some tasks that were previously delegated to local ward-level offices will be returned to DOHA. This change will remain in place until 31 December 2028.
From 20 June 2026, new Work Permit applications must be submitted directly to DOHA. Ward offices will no longer accept or process new Work Permit applications. Ward offices will retain responsibility only for renewals and reissuances of Work Permits and Work Permit Exemption Certificates that they originally issued, as well as cancellations of those same permits.
Work report filings and cancellations of permits previously issued by DOHA will also revert to DOHA.
Any application forms or documents already prepared for submission after 20 June 2026 may need to be updated to name the correct authority. Employers with upcoming filings should check their paperwork before submitting.
The impact of this change is that new Work Permit applications in Hanoi must now go to DOHA, not the local ward office. Employers should act quickly to confirm the correct submission channel for any applications due around or after 20 June 2026.
This alert is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please contact Newland Chase directly for case-specific guidance.
