Vietnam to reduce administrative staffing by 5–10% through 2031

Vietnam is planning a significant reduction in administrative staffing for the 2027–2031 period. Following a Politburo conclusion, the government aims to streamline 5% to 10% of civil servants and public employees during this timeframe.

Deputy Prime Minister Pham Thi Thanh Tra has directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to finalize a framework for the administrative apparatus, ranging from the central level to local communes. This framework will serve as the basis for determining staffing quotas for the upcoming period. Localities are tasked with creating detailed, objective staffing plans that align with the principles of the Central Organization Commission.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the government is developing a staffing allocation scheme, with a ceiling allowing for up to 20% more staff than central targets, provided increases are tied to specific job positions and service efficiency. Meanwhile, in Hai Phong, efforts are focused on balancing staff numbers with improved service quality.

Regarding public service units, the government is also reviewing the reorganization of sectors such as healthcare, vocational education, and higher education. The Minister of Education and Training, Hoang Minh Son, reported that school restructuring has already led to a 50.6% reduction in the number of schools, though challenges remain regarding teacher distribution and management of large-scale institutions.