Beginning July 1, 2025, Vietnam will implement a significant administrative change that reformulates how certain immigration and employment procedures are handled. A new government directive will transfer key responsibilities from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) to local authorities, particularly the Provincial People’s Committees, with the goal of expediting processing and improving administrative efficiency.
This change is part of a broader effort by the Vietnamese government to decentralize public administration—especially within internal affairs.
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What’s Changing for Employers and International Employees
Previously, MOHA was responsible for managing immigration matters such as:
- Foreign workers operating across multiple provinces
- Jobs requiring business licenses issued by central authorities
Starting in July 2025, MOHA will no longer oversee:
- Job Position Approvals (JPA)
- Work permit applications
- Exemptions from work permits
These responsibilities will now fall under the jurisdiction of the Chairperson of the Provincial People’s Committee or another authorized local agency.
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How This Impacts International Workers and Employers
If you’re an international employee or employer handling a case that once required MOHA authorization—such as multi-location employment or central-licensed sectors—your application must now be submitted to the regional authorities.
Key Implications:
- Faster decisions: When an employer submits a work permit request and seeks a skilled worker exemption, the Department of Home Affairs must consult the provincial Chairperson within three working days.
- Special cases: In exceptional circumstances, the Department may recommend exemptions for foreign experts assigned under unique events, with the Chairperson making the final decision.
Why This Matters for Visa Applicants
Localized Processing
The shift to local-level authority is expected to make immigration and work permit handling more responsive and region-specific, benefiting both foreign professionals and their employers.
Professional Exemptions
The updated process for recognizing expert-level foreign workers is now more transparent and efficient, which is particularly beneficial for multinational companies.
Tips for a Smooth Application Process
- Apply Early: Processing times may vary by province; don’t delay.
- Work With Local Advisors: Collaborate with regional HR teams or licensed immigration consultants who are familiar with new procedures.
- Follow Official Updates: Visa and immigration laws in Vietnam change frequently. Stay updated through official government portals and trusted visa information sources.
Who Is Affected?
This policy change mainly applies to:
- Foreign employees working in positions regulated by central authorities
- Companies with staff operating in multiple provinces
- Organizations seeking work permit exemptions for foreign professionals
If your company has been submitting immigration paperwork directly to MOHA, it’s time to transition to provincial channels.
Why This Is Important for Future Planning
This is a major shift for international professionals planning to work in Vietnam. Although local processing may speed things up, each province may interpret and enforce rules differently.
Action Steps:
- Check updates from your relevant Provincial People’s Committee
- Clarify local definitions of “expert” for exemption purposes
- Adjust your internal timelines and expectations for work permit processing
Vietnam’s July 2025 regulatory update reflects a clear move toward administrative decentralization, aiming to create a faster and more transparent immigration framework for expats. While the MOHA’s role will be reduced, greater responsibility will be given to local agencies.
For both employers and visa applicants, staying aligned with local regulations and authorities will be essential for navigating Vietnam’s evolving work permit system.
