PM requests review of labor export companies

The PM visited staff of the Vietnamese Embassy and representatives of the Vietnamese community in Bucharest on Jan. 20.

According to representatives from several Vietnamese associations and communities, labor export is a high-potential field in Romania, but it comes with many problems.

Many workers are illegally employed or flee to third countries while labor export companies fail to fulfill their responsibilities, abandoning their workers, they told the PM.

In response to their reports, PM Chinh said: “I have spoken to Deputy Minister of Public Security Luong Tam Quang, and now we must review the situation. Ghost companies and those engaging in negative practices, sending Vietnamese abroad without responsibility, making our compatriots suffer, must be dealt with decisively.”

He added that any company found violating the law will have its license revoked and possibly face legal prosecution.

According to the prime minister, the labor export market currently offers many opportunities for laborers thanks to the high market demand and supportive policies. Vietnam also has a tradition in this field. However, good exploitation requires preparation, he said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaks during a meeting with a Vietnamese community in Romania, Jan. 20, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Minh Son

First is training, especially language training. The PM suggests that workers should undergo language training for at least three-six months or a year.

“At the very least, they should know the language of the host country so they can live independently and solve problems themselves,” he said.

Second is educating workers about necessary laws and regulations, and the third aspect is essential skills for self-advocacy and problem-solving. For this, the PM requested the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs to advise on solutions.

Deputy Minister Le Van Thanh said that currently, about 700,000 Vietnamese workers are working abroad.

Thanh said his ministry would review and sign a cooperation document during the ongoing visit of PM Chinh to Romania to facilitate bringing more Vietnamese workers to Romania. This ensures the legitimate rights and interests of workers while raising their awareness of law compliance, he said.

PM and his spouse arrived in Bucharest on Jan. 20, beginning an official visit to Romania at the invitation of PM Ion-Marcel Ciolacu.

The visit is the first delegation exchange at the prime ministerial level between the two countries in five years.