Many people believe that simply holding a doctorate degree automatically qualifies them for the State’s talent attraction policies. Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs has now clarified the regulations.

A citizen identified as T.V. raised questions regarding Government Decree 179/2024, which outlines policies for attracting and utilizing talented individuals. Under the decree, eligible groups include doctorate holders, second-level specialist doctors and second-level specialist pharmacists in the fields of medicine and pharmacy.

However, the question was whether doctorate holders in other fields are also automatically entitled to these incentives.

Responding to the inquiry, the Ministry of Home Affairs cited Point C, Clause 2, Article 4 of Decree 179/2024, which sets out the standards and conditions for applying policies aimed at attracting and utilizing outstanding graduates and talented young scientists.

Under the regulation, eligible candidates include doctorate holders, second-level specialist doctors and second-level specialist pharmacists trained at domestic educational institutions, provided they meet the age requirements stipulated by the Government at the time of application.

However, the ministry stressed that holding a PhD does not automatically guarantee access to talent attraction policies.

According to Clause 4, Article 3 of Decree 179/2024, ministries, sectors, central agencies and local authorities will determine priority sectors and fields for high-quality human resources based on national and local strategic development orientations during each period.

Based on those priorities, competent authorities will decide whether to implement talent attraction and utilization policies in line with budget capacity and the decentralization framework governing civil servants and public employees.

As a result, whether a doctorate holder qualifies for talent attraction incentives depends on priority sectors, workforce demand and decisions made by individual agencies or local authorities.

The Ministry of Home Affairs advised citizens to contact agencies responsible for implementing the policies for further review and guidance in accordance with regulations.

Vu Diep