Vietnam's labour ministry proposes raising the maximum weekly working hours for students to 24

This update is part of the new draft of the Employment Law, which is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Justice.

Vietnam's Ministry of Labour, Invalids, and Social Affairs has proposed increasing the maximum working hours for students from 20 to 24 hours per week, according to a report by Vietnam News. 

This update, it was reported, is part of the new draft of the Employment Law, which is currently being reviewed by the Ministry of Justice.

As further cited, below are the key proposals being requested: 

1. Working hours: Students aged 15 and older can work up to 24 hours a week while studying, so long as they follow existing labour laws. Cited in the report, regular workers can work up to 48 hours a week. The proposed 24-hour limit for students thus makes up about half of this.
2. Minimum wage: A mandatory minimum wage for student workers, replacing the current system where wages are negotiated individually. The proposed rates are as follows:
   • Region 1: VNĐ23,800 per hour
   • Region 2: VNĐ21,200 per hour
   • Region 3: VNĐ18,600 per hour
   • Region 4: VNĐ16,600 per hour
3. Academic balance: Students must inform their schools about their part-time jobs. Schools will help monitor and support students to ensure their work does not affect their studies.

The revised Employment Law is expected to be presented to the National Assembly at the end of 2024.

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