Live and work in vietnam

In the fourth draft of Ho Chi Minh City’s Talent Attraction Policy for the period 2018-2022, the municipal Department of Home Affairs has proposed the inclusion of foreign nationals, persons with "extensive experience, prestige and capacity in highly creative work or research activities." The department argues that the inclusion of foreign nationals will help attract new talent to the city, especially foreign nationals of Vietnamese descent who wish to return and contribute to their homeland. The draft policy also expresses preference for those with already published research works, whose intellectual acumen is recognized by organizations at home and abroad, or with skill sets specifically needed for the city’s projects. The city will sign technology transfer contracts with these experts with value not exceeding VND100 billion ($4.26 million), the draft says. If this amount is exceeded, the Municipal People's Committee will refer the case to the Municipal People's Council … [Read more...] about HCMC seeks foreign talents to work in government agencies

Under a new decree on compulsory social insurance for foreigners working in the country issued by the government on October 15, all foreign workers with labor contracts of at least a year will be subject to compulsory social insurance. The decree will come into effect on December 1. Under the decree, the basic social insurance package will cover sickness, delivery, occupational diseases and accidents, retirement, and death just like for Vietnamese workers. From 2022 foreign employees have to pay a monthly premium of 8 percent of their income to the retirement and death fund. Employers will contribute 17.5 percent of their employees’ monthly salary, 3 percent to the sickness and maternity fund, 14 percent to the retirement and death fund, and 0.5 percent to the occupational diseases and accidents fund from January 1, 2022. This will put Vietnam on par with Thailand and the Philippines, while Singapore only requires citizens and permanent residents to pay social security. The draft … [Read more...] about Foreign workers set to come under social security net in Vietnam

In any country, driving culture and etiquette, or a lack thereof, is a window into that society. Vietnam is no exception.  Here's my take on being an active participant-observer of transportation in Vietnam on a part-time basis since 1996 and full-time since 2005.  I ride a bike but not in the city. Yes, I wear a helmet because I value brain function over vanity. I've never owned a motorbike.  I am a frequent pedestrian who has had too many death-defying experiences in city traffic to recount in a single article. My main mode of transportation is a car.  What is it like driving in Vietnam?  Much like the country itself, never boring, always an adventure.  What to expect? The unexpected – virtually every minute of every day that you’re on the road. Drive defensively and, when need to be, offensively. Protect yourself, your passengers, and everyone else on the road. A tall order? Welcome to the crazy world of driving in … [Read more...] about When in Vietnam, drive as the Vietnamese do