19/08/2026
⚠️ IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR FOREIGN WORKERS IN VIETNAM 🇻🇳
New administrative penalties for foreign workers and employers will take effect from 10 September 2026 under Decree No. 283/2026/ND-CP.
If you are a foreign national currently working — or planning to work — in Vietnam, it is important to check your work authorization before starting or continuing employment.
👤 FOR FOREIGN WORKERS
A foreign worker may be fined VND 15–25 million for:
❌ Working without a valid Work Permit
❌ Working without a valid exemption certificate
❌ Using a Work Permit or exemption certificate that has expired
⚠️ Depending on the violation, deportation from Vietnam may also apply.
🏢 FOR EMPLOYERS
Employers may also face significant penalties, including:
• VND 1–3 million for failing to submit required notifications, or submitting them late/incompletely.
• VND 5–10 million per foreign worker for employing a foreign worker in a position, workplace or under conditions that do not match the approved work authorization. The total fine may reach VND 75 million.
• VND 30–75 million for employing foreign workers without valid work permits or exemption certificates, depending on the number of workers involved.
• VND 40–60 million for falsifying or altering documents used in applications for work permits or exemption certificates, where the violation does not constitute a criminal offence.
⚠️ IMPORTANT:
For violations subject to fines imposed on individuals, organizations may be subject to fines at twice the applicable individual level, where provided by the Decree.
✅ WHAT SHOULD FOREIGN WORKERS CHECK NOW?
Before 10 September 2026, make sure that:
✔️ Your Work Permit or exemption certificate is still valid
✔️ Your registered job position matches your actual job
✔️ Your workplace matches the information in your authorization
✔️ Your employer is correctly registered
✔️ Any change of employer, position or workplace is properly handled according to Vietnamese regulations
👉 Don’t wait until your permit expires.
If you are unsure whether your current work authorization is valid or whether you need a Work Permit or exemption certificate, seek professional advice and check your documents with the competent authority.
📌 Save this post and share it with foreign colleagues, friends and employers in Vietnam.
Official legal reference: Decree No. 283/2026/ND-CP, effective 10 September 2026.
