In-depth analysis report of costs borne by Vietnamese workers for employment abroad

International labour migration has become an important trend in the development and international integration of many countries, including Viet Nam. The employment of Vietnamese workers abroad not only contributes to job creation, higher incomes and improved living standards, but also enables workers to acquire occupational skills, modern work practices and international experience, thereby contributing positively to the socioeconomic development of the country.

In recent years, alongside the deepening process of international integration, the number of Vietnamese workers going abroad for employment has continued to grow, destination labour markets have become increasingly diversified and the skills profile of the labour force has gradually improved. However, despite the opportunities and benefits that international labour migration offers, migrant workers continue to face various challenges, including high migration costs, risks associated with working and living conditions, limited access to information and support services, as well as difficulties encountered during return and reintegration into the domestic labour market.

In that context, researching and assessing the situation of international labour migrants in a comprehensive manner is particularly important. Such efforts not only help provide a thorough picture of the characteristics and living and working conditions of Vietnamese workers abroad but also generate practical evidence to support policy formulation and improvement. At the same time, this endeavour is essential for monitoring progress towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal of facilitating safe, orderly and responsible migration.

This report draws on data from the 2025 Labour Force Survey and the 2025 In-depth Migrant Worker Survey to analyse the situation of Vietnamese workers employed abroad in recent years. The report focuses on key issues such as the characteristics of migrant workers, costs borne by Vietnamese workers for employment abroad, working conditions, access to support services, indebtedness, and return and reintegration into the labour market. Based on the findings, the report presents several observations and recommendations aimed at promoting international labour migration in a safe, regular, effective and sustainable manner.

The National Statistics Office would like to express its sincere appreciation for the cooperation, and technical and financial support provided by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) throughout the implementation of the survey and the preparation of this publication. The National Statistics Office also extends its heartfelt thanks to the experts and staff of IOM Regional Data Hub, Asia and Pacific and IOM Viet Nam for their valuable contributions to the drafting and finalization of this publication.

Although every effort has been made in the preparation of this publication, shortcomings and limitations are unavoidable. The National Statistics Office welcomes comments and suggestions from agencies, organizations, experts and readers to help further improve future studies and publications.