Vietnam proposes mandatory social insurance for digital platform workers

The Vietnamese government has proposed an amendment to the Law on Social Insurance to gradually expand mandatory coverage to include digital platform workers and individuals without formal labor relationships. During a National Assembly session on October 21, Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Tien Hai presented the draft law, noting that the changes aim to address legal gaps and adapt to digital transformation and economic development.

The proposal suggests that the Standing Committee of the National Assembly will decide on mandatory participation for these groups based on socio-economic conditions, ensuring a feasible roadmap for those with stable and regular incomes.

Other key provisions in the draft include allowing individuals to participate directly in supplementary pension insurance on a voluntary basis, rather than requiring employer involvement. Additionally, the draft seeks to remove the 12-month limit on authorization documents for receiving pensions and other social insurance benefits, instead allowing such authorizations to follow civil law regulations.