In recent years, Vietnam has emerged as an attractive destination for foreign workers. In a bid to lure more qualified workers, the Vietnamese Government has announced some reforms in administrative procedures in providing work permits for foreigners, many of which are positive developments.

Everyday, this office receives as many as 80 work permit applications from foreigners looking to work in Vietnam. Simplified procedures in granting work permits have benefited workers.

Workers can now apply online and come to get the results later, or even get their recruiters to do it for them. This helps to reduce the time and cost for workers, but will create certain difficulties for officers.

According to statistics by the Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs, the number of foreign employees in the country increased from over 63,500 in 2011 to almost 84,000 in 2016. They mostly came from Asian countries like China, the Republic of Korea, and Japan, accounting for 73 percent of the total, followed by European nations and American countries./.

VNA