The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs has announced it is about to embark on a wages survey in order to inform the next minimum wage increase in Vietnam. The wage survey will be used by the National Wage Council to determine the next minimum wage increase which will then need to be approved by the government. With this in mind, it is ‘unlikely’ to increase next year, according to Tuoi Tre.
Of note, the National Wage Council meets at least once a year to discuss the minimum wage in Vietnam. That said, the minimum wage does not necessarily rise every year. For example, during COVID minimum wage rises were put on hold. Similarly, as Vietnam’s economy struggled in 2023 minimum wage hikes were delayed until 2024.
Vietnam’s minimum wage is divided into regions which are generally determined by the perceived cost of living in a particular area. Broadly speaking, Vietnam’s major cities generally fall into Region 1 with rural, isolated, generally mountainous areas falling under Region 4. Everywhere else falls somewhere in between.
The last minimum wage increase was on July 6, 2024 and was about 6 percent.
See also: Minimum Wage in Vietnam 2024: Your Questions Answered