Outstanding students and leading experts joining Vietnam’s public sector are set to receive attractive compensation packages, with starting salaries of VND 13.7 million (USD 570) for top graduates and up to VND 58 million (USD 2,415) per month for senior specialists.

A breakthrough policy for attracting talent

On December 31, the government issued Decree No. 179/2024, introducing policies aimed at attracting and utilizing talented individuals within public institutions, including those under the Communist Party of Vietnam, the State, the Vietnam Fatherland Front, and other socio-political organizations.

Nguyen Tuan Ninh, Director of the Department of Civil Servants and Public Employees at the Ministry of Home Affairs, emphasized the importance of streamlining government operations while improving the quality of public servants to propel Vietnam into a new era of national development.

This decree creates a legal framework to recruit, retain, and maximize the contributions of talented individuals to the public sector, aligning with ongoing reforms to streamline and enhance the effectiveness of the political system.

Salary structures for talent

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Director of the Department of Civil Servants and Public Employees - Ministry of Home Affairs, Nguyen Tuan Ninh.

Under the new decree, exceptional graduates, including young scientists and top university students, will receive full salaries during their probationary period along with a 150% salary increment for the first five years of employment.

For university graduates, the monthly starting salary is set at VND 13.7 million, while master’s degree holders will earn VND 15.6 million, and Ph.D. holders will start at VND 17.55 million.

Senior specialists, scientists, and industry leaders entering the public sector are appointed to roles commensurate with their expertise, such as senior expert or consultant positions.

These individuals receive a 300% salary increment, bringing their monthly earnings to VND 41.18 million for senior experts and VND 58.03 million for top-tier specialists.

For Vietnamese or foreign experts hired on contracts, remuneration will be based on qualifications, contributions, and available funding, with authorities given flexibility to adjust compensation accordingly.

The decree also introduces additional incentives. Talented graduates and young scientists are prioritized for leadership positions within central and local government institutions.

Researchers with proven achievements will receive training and development opportunities, preparing them to become leading scientists managing high-level research projects.

Moreover, exceptional professionals can be directly appointed to leadership or specialized positions, even if they do not fully meet standard requirements. Relevant authorities are tasked with assisting them in fulfilling any criteria necessary for their roles.

Vietnamese and foreign experts, as well as overseas Vietnamese, will benefit from streamlined visa, residency, and work permit processes. Family members of these individuals will receive assistance in finding employment and accessing education in Vietnam.

They will also be eligible for multiple-entry visas or temporary residence cards valid for the duration of their contracts.
Decree No. 179/2024 also provides provisions for training, professional development, and modern working conditions for recruited individuals.

By implementing these policies, the government aims to position the public sector as an attractive employer, capable of mobilizing top talent for national progress.

This policy is expected to significantly enhance Vietnam's ability to recruit and retain exceptional individuals, ensuring their contributions to the country’s development and positioning Vietnam’s public institutions as competitive and forward-looking.

Thu Hang