On May 1, 2025, significant regulatory changes affecting civil servants and public employees in Vietnam officially took effect, following the implementation of Circular 001/2025/TT-BNV from the Ministry of Home Affairs. This circular outlines new rules for the recruitment, promotion, and ranking of civil servants and public employees, marking a pivotal shift in how these processes are managed.
The circular details comprehensive regulations regarding the internal rules for recruiting civil servants and public employees, as well as the procedures for promotion exams and the criteria for considering professional title advancements among public employees. It emphasizes the responsibilities of the recruitment councils, which are tasked with announcing the list of eligible candidates and organizing the necessary examinations.
According to the circular, at least one working day before the exam day, the council must complete several essential tasks. These include posting the exam candidates' list according to their exam numbers, the layout of exam rooms, and the regulations governing the examination process. This ensures that candidates are well-informed and prepared for the examinations they are about to undertake.
In addition to recruitment processes, the circular also establishes guidelines for the promotion of professional titles among public employees. The council is required to ensure that the evaluation process is accurate, fair, and transparent, adhering strictly to legal standards. Members of the evaluation committee must collectively assess candidates’ documents to ensure compliance with the established criteria.
On the same day, another significant regulation came into effect with Circular 04/2025/TT-BLDTBXH. This circular, issued by the Minister of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs, sets forth the codes and professional title standards for public employees in the employment sector. It also outlines the conditions required for considering promotions within this field.
Moreover, the Ministry of Finance has introduced new regulations regarding business travel expenses and conference expenditures through Circular 12/2025/TT-BTC, effective from May 4, 2025. This circular amends previous regulations, specifying that the daily living allowance for public employees on business trips is now set at 300,000 VND. For those working on sea or islands, the allowance increases to 400,000 VND per day.
Additionally, the Hanoi People's Committee has established a new service price framework for the management and operation of apartment buildings in the city, also effective from May 1, 2025. Under Decision No. 33/2025/QĐ-UBND, the service prices for apartments without elevators range from a minimum of 700 VND to a maximum of 5,000 VND per square meter per month. For apartments equipped with elevators, the price ranges from 1,200 VND to 16,500 VND per square meter per month.
These changes are part of broader reforms aimed at enhancing the efficiency and transparency of public service management in Vietnam. The government is committed to ensuring that civil servants and public employees are adequately supported and that their working conditions are improved, reflecting a growing recognition of the importance of public service in national development.
In a related development, the Ministry of Industry and Trade issued Circular 18/2025/TT-BCT on March 13, 2025, which amends regulations regarding the trading of gasoline and oil. This circular, effective from May 2, 2025, includes new reporting requirements for businesses involved in oil and gas distribution, ensuring better oversight of the industry.
Furthermore, on March 18, 2025, the government passed Decree No. 69/2025/NĐ-CP, which modifies existing regulations concerning foreign investment in Vietnamese credit institutions. This decree limits foreign ownership in commercial banks to 30% and allows for a maximum of 49% in specific cases, such as distressed institutions.
As part of the ongoing effort to streamline financial operations, the government also issued Decision No. 06/2025/QĐ-TTg on March 26, 2025, which regulates the relationship between the State Bank of Vietnam and domestic currency printing and minting facilities. This decision is set to take effect on May 19, 2025, and emphasizes the need for security and compliance in the production of currency.
In addition to these regulatory updates, the Ministry of Construction has announced amendments to the classification of construction projects through Circular 02/2025/TT-BXD, effective from May 20, 2025. This circular introduces new criteria for determining the classification of construction projects, particularly for those undergoing phased investments.
These sweeping changes reflect Vietnam's commitment to modernizing its regulatory framework and enhancing the quality of public services. By implementing these new regulations, the government aims to foster a more efficient, transparent, and accountable public sector.
As these regulations come into play, stakeholders are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the new rules and prepare for the changes that will impact their operations and responsibilities. This proactive approach will be crucial in navigating the evolving landscape of public service and economic management in Vietnam.
