DONG NAI BOOSTS LEGAL AWARENESS ON IMMIGRATION, FOREIGN LABOR, AND TRADE UNIONS IN THE NEW ERA

A Comprehensive and Synchronized Legal Framework

The management of entry, exit, and residence for both foreign nationals and Vietnamese citizens is strictly governed by current regulations. These laws ensure state management and social order while fostering favorable conditions for socio-economic development and international integration.

Notably, the Constitution of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, amended under Resolution No. 203/2025/QH15 (dated June 16, 2025, and effective since July 2025), reaffirms the principles of a socialist rule-of-law state. It clearly outlines the fundamental rights and duties of citizens, alongside the responsibilities of the State and organizations in upholding constitutional integrity.

Furthermore, the Law on Entry, Exit, Transit, and Residence of Foreigners in Vietnam remains a vital legal corridor for managing foreign nationals studying and working in the country.

Significant updates include Decree No. 219/2025/ND-CP (August 7, 2025), which provides detailed guidelines for foreign employees in Vietnam. This decree has successfully addressed bottlenecks in issuing, re-issuing, and extending work permits, thereby improving the efficiency of state oversight.

In addition, Decree No. 327/2025/ND-CP (December 18, 2025) introduces specific policies for foreigners at Vietnam’s International Financial Centers. This reflects a consistent national policy to attract high-quality talent, experts, and foreign investors for long-term, legal engagement.

Expanded Trade Union Rights for Foreign Workers

A landmark shift in labor policy is the 2024 Law on Trade Unions, which took effect on July 1, 2025. Under this law, foreign citizens working in Vietnam under labor contracts of 12 months or more are now eligible to join and participate in grassroots trade unions.

This regulation is designed to protect the legitimate rights and interests of all workers, strengthening the representative role of trade unions. It also aims to foster harmonious and progressive labor relations within enterprises, aligning with international integration standards.

Proactive Prevention and Enforcement

Evidence suggests that illegal entry, unauthorized residence, or involvement in human smuggling are not only administrative violations but may also lead to criminal prosecution under the Penal Code.

Beyond administrative sanctions such as deportation or forced exit, violators face severe risks to their safety, health, and finances, and often lose their legal protections.

To bolster management, the Government issued Decree No. 372/2025/ND-CP (amending Decree No. 112/2021/ND-CP), which tightens licensing conditions for services sending Vietnamese laborers abroad. This serves as a critical measure to prevent and deter illegal labor practices.

Shared Responsibility

Legal dissemination regarding immigration and labor is a continuous, long-term mission for the entire political system. Functional agencies, businesses, and trade unions must collaborate to raise vigilance against misinformation and promptly detect or handle violations.

Workers are urged to strictly comply with the law, avoid assisting illegal activities, and encourage relatives residing illegally abroad to return home voluntarily.

Ensuring Security for Sustainable Growth

Strict adherence to laws on immigration, labor, and trade unions is essential for maintaining social security and a healthy working environment. These efforts are key to driving sustainable socio-economic growth in Dong Nai province in this new development phase.