Under the decree, a scientist specializing in international integration must demonstrate proficiency in at least one foreign language at a minimum level equivalent to Level 4 under Vietnam's six-level foreign language proficiency framework. The individual must also have at least 10 years of experience working in foreign affairs or international integration, or at least 10 years of directly teaching or conducting research at educational institutions, research organizations, programs, or projects related to foreign affairs and international integration.

In addition, the scientist must satisfy at least one of the following criteria: holding a doctoral degree or higher from an internationally reputable institution, or being the author or co-author of internationally recognized research that has received international awards or has been widely applied with proven practical impact.

For experts in international integration, the decree also requires proficiency in at least one foreign language at a minimum Level 4 equivalent under Vietnam's six-level foreign language framework, together with at least one of several additional qualifications.

Specifically, an expert must have at least 10 years of professional experience or currently hold a management position at an international or regional organization, either in Vietnam or overseas, with recognized professional credibility in international integration. Alternatively, the expert must have served as the principal investigator or co-principal investigator of at least one state-level research project on foreign affairs or international integration that was officially evaluated with an outstanding rating.

Other qualifying criteria include holding or having previously held a leadership or management position at the rank of deputy minister or equivalent or higher, while directly leading or advising on international integration policies, shaping cooperation mechanisms, negotiating and signing national-level cooperation agreements, or resolving cross-border and regional issues within their area of responsibility.

Experts nominated by the Vietnamese Government who become members of international professional organizations, or those officially recognized and appointed as international integration experts by ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, or provincial chairpersons, are also eligible under the decree.

Based on practical needs, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and provincial chairpersons may establish Expert Title Councils to assess candidates, recommend recognition, officially appoint international integration experts, and notify the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the approved list.

Policies for Vietnamese scientists and experts

Scientists and experts in international integration who are of working age and wish to pursue long-term careers at agencies or organizations directly and regularly engaged in foreign affairs and international integration may be considered for recruitment as civil servants or public employees in accordance with existing regulations. They will receive a monthly support allowance equivalent to 300% of their current salary based on the applicable salary coefficient, in addition to other policy benefits.

Scientists and experts who have exceeded working age, or who are still of working age but do not wish to become civil servants or public employees, may, if the relevant agency has demand, be engaged under contracts to perform civil service duties or task-based contracts in accordance with applicable regulations.

Each year, ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees will evaluate the performance and contributions of scientists and experts.

The assessment will be conducted simultaneously with the annual evaluation and classification process for civil servants and public employees under Vietnamese law. The evaluation results will serve as the basis for deciding whether an individual continues to receive the support policy or has the benefits discontinued.

Foreign scientists and international integration experts will receive priority invitations to participate in training, professional development, academic research, and the implementation of international cooperation, education, and research programs related to international integration. They may be engaged through employment contracts with remuneration determined by mutual agreement while enjoying other benefits provided under Vietnamese law.

When necessary, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs may mobilize scientists and experts specializing in international integration to support the Party and the State's foreign affairs activities.

Tran Thuong