Changes To Work Permit Regime Applicable To Foreign Employees

Keywords: Changes, work permit, foreign employees

On 5 September 2013, the Government of Vietnam adopted Decree 102/2013 on the employment and management of foreign employees working in Vietnam. Decree 102/2013 takes effect from 1 November 2013 and replaces Decree 34/2008 dated 25 March 2008 (as amended by Decree 46/2011 dated 17 June 2011) on the same subject.

Decree 102/2013 contains some significant changes concerning the employment of foreigners and the requirement for work permits. Most notably, it introduces some additional administrative procedures for employers to follow before recruiting foreign employees, and for obtaining an exemption from the need for obtaining a work permit. It also shortens the duration of work permits from three years to two years.