[Legal News] Vietnam Proposes Amendments: Suggests 'Exit Restrictions' and Strict Regulations for Workers with Overseas Violations

On the morning of August 10th, the Vietnamese National Assembly discussed the draft amendment to the 'Law on Vietnamese Labor Going Abroad to Work'. These new proposals will directly affect laborers and interns working overseas (including in Taiwan). RtiTalk has summarized the key points from this National Assembly discussion for you: 1. Proposal to Implement 'Exit Restrictions' for Workers with Past Violations To address issues of labor abscondment and illegal residency, National Assembly representatives have proposed stricter regulations: workers with a record of violations overseas should be prohibited from working abroad again. This aims to prevent situations where workers commit violations in one country and then move to work in another, thereby safeguarding the national image and the rights of law-abiding citizens to work abroad. 2. Addressing the Issue of 'Exorbitant' Overseas Brokerage Fees Regarding the phenomenon where some overseas markets charge no or low fees, but workers actually have to pay up to 300 million to billions of Vietnamese dong to go abroad, representatives have called for specific measures in the amendment to minimize overcharging and alleviate the financial burden on workers. 3. Proposal to Add Extradition Mechanisms for Major Offenders For workers involved in serious offenses such as theft, drugs, gambling, and prostitution, representatives propose adding judicial cooperation mechanisms between Vietnam and receiving countries. In addition to being tried locally, if it complies with the laws of both countries and international treaties, the extradition or transfer of offenders back to Vietnam for legal processing will be considered to achieve a strong deterrent effect. 4. Strengthening the Responsibilities of Labor Brokerage Companies Mandatory Overseas Representatives: Labor brokerage companies must station representatives overseas to promptly assist and handle emergencies faced by workers locally, ensuring that workers are not left unattended after going abroad. Simplification of Administrative Procedures: The draft plan is to reduce the hardware facility threshold for brokerage companies by 50%, aiming to balance the simplification of administrative burdens for businesses with the implementation of national management and the protection of workers' rights. Realizing the Vision of a 'Dual Policy' Promoting overseas employment for laborers is not just about increasing income; it is a strategically significant 'dual policy': encouraging laborers to learn advanced technologies and workplace discipline abroad, transforming these valuable skills and experiences into assets for national development, and contributing their expertise upon returning home after completion of their studies.