Published
For the first time, older people are explicitly included in Vietnam’s Employment Law – a landmark recognition of their role in the workforce.
Coming into effect in January 2026, this change is a major step towards recognising the skills and contributions of older workers and adapting to the country’s rapidly ageing population.
The new law gives older people better access to opportunities that help them stay active in the workforce. It supports training and retraining, access to loans to start or expand small businesses, and participation in programmes that build and certify skills. Crucially, age has also been added to the list of grounds where discrimination in employment is prohibited – sending a clear message that older people deserve equal opportunities to work and contribute.
For the first time, older workers are recognised not just as beneficiaries of welfare, but as a vital part of Vietnam’s economy and society.
This progress is the result of years of effort led by the Vietnam Association of the Elderly (VAE), a member of the global HelpAge network. Since 2022, VAE has worked closely with HelpAge International in Vietnam to research the realities of older workers’ lives, from access to jobs to lifelong learning. Their findings were shared with policymakers, helping shape the new law.
VAE also played a key role in consultations with the Ministry of Labour, ensuring the voices of older people were heard at every stage. With HelpAge’s support, they brought in international perspectives and highlighted practical solutions. Together, they also engaged with the business sector through events such as the national workshop Sustainable Employment for Older and Ageing Workers in December 2024, where a VAE representative spoke on behalf of older people across the country.
This achievement shows what is possible when older people’s organisations take the lead in policy change. Thanks to the persistence of VAE and its partners, older workers are now recognised in national law as experienced, capable and valuable members of society.
The inclusion of older people in the Employment Law reflects Vietnam’s commitment to building an active ageing society – one where people of all ages can continue learning, working and contributing to their communities.
It is a proud moment for VAE and for older people across Vietnam, paving the way for a future where no one is left behind.
12,000 new intergenerational Self-Help Clubs will be set up across Vietnam in the following decade, supporting hundreds of thousands of older people while strengthening community ties across generations.
