The Vietnamese National Assembly discussed Monday a bill on sending workers abroad, with focus on labor agencies’ responsibilities and measures to protect Vietnamese guest workers. 

Many deputies said the bill contained unnecessary regulations on managing labor agencies.

Workers who strike will not be paid for the days they take action, even if their strike is legal, according to a draft ordinance awaiting approval. Article 14 of the draft document specifies that employees will not be paid if they go on strike to demand protection of their benefits. In addition, employers can demand compensation for damages if the strikes are found to be illegal.

After labour management bodies relaxed limitations on foreign staff numbers, investors in Vietnam have signalled they want the regulations completely removed. Foreign investors continue to protest the regulations on limiting the number of foreign expatriates working in a foreign invested enterprise (FIE) although the Ministry of Labour, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) has offered new more ‘flexible’ regulations.