Vietnam to penalize irregular migration with new labor decree

The Government of Vietnam has officially enacted Decree No. 283/2026/NĐ-CP, set to take effect on September 10, 2026. The new regulation introduces strict financial penalties to combat irregular migration and labor desertion among Vietnamese citizens working abroad.

Under the decree, workers who intentionally remain in a foreign country illegally after their labor or training contracts have ended may face administrative fines ranging from 80 million to 100 million Vietnamese dongs. This measure specifically targets the phenomenon of workers abandoning their designated posts to seek higher-paying jobs in the informal market, a trend notably observed in Japan.

The decree also imposes heavy sanctions on illegal intermediaries and organizations. Entities found conducting unauthorized recruitment, advertising, or consulting, as well as those involved in coercing or deceiving workers into staying abroad illegally, can be fined between 80 million and 100 million dongs. Service enterprise branches performing unauthorized labor placement activities may face fines between 180 million and 200 million dongs. Additionally, violators will be required to return any illegally collected funds to workers, including interest.