The Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed significant changes to the administrative structure of Vietnam, aiming to streamline governance and improve efficiency. On March 26, 2025, the ministry submitted a draft resolution to the government that outlines plans for the arrangement of administrative units at both provincial and communal levels.
According to the draft resolution, 52 provincial-level administrative units are set to undergo reorganization, while 11 units will remain unchanged. The unchanged provinces include major cities and regions such as Hanoi, Hue, Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Quang Ninh, Thanh Hoa, Nghe An, and Ha Tinh. The remaining 52 units subject to arrangement comprise four cities: Hai Phong, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, and Can Tho, along with 48 provinces including Ha Nam, Hung Yen, Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Thai Binh, and many others.
The proposed changes are based on six criteria that have been reviewed and agreed upon by the Politburo. These criteria include natural area, population size, history, tradition, culture, religion, ethnicity, socio-economic status, political geography, and national defense. The aim is to create a more efficient administrative structure that can better support local governance and development.
One of the significant goals of this restructuring is to reduce the number of commune-level administrative units by 70-75% compared to current figures. The Ministry of Home Affairs has indicated that approximately 9,996 out of 10,035 commune-level units are subject to arrangement. This move is intended to streamline local governance and enhance the effectiveness of administrative functions.
The draft resolution also emphasizes that no arrangements will be made for administrative units that are isolated or have challenging transportation connections, as well as those that hold strategic importance for national defense and security. This consideration is crucial to ensure that important regions maintain their operational integrity.
In addition to the structural changes, the draft resolution includes provisions for the specific regimes and policies for newly formed administrative units after the arrangement. The ministry has proposed that the number of officials, civil servants, and public employees in the new provincial-level administrative unit should not exceed the total number present before the arrangement.
This restructuring is part of a broader effort that has already seen the reduction of 17 district-level administrative units and 1,124 commune-level units in the periods from 2019 to 2021 and from 2023 to 2025. The Ministry of Home Affairs believes that these changes will enhance the scale and efficiency of administrative units, facilitating better governance and local development.
To support localities in implementing these changes, the central government will provide one-time financial assistance to areas that are reducing their administrative units. The proposed budget includes 100 billion VND for each province and 500 million VND for each commune that is reduced, with funds allocated to local budgets in 2026.
Furthermore, the draft resolution encourages localities to choose new names for the administrative units being formed. It suggests naming the new communes and wards based on serial numbers or according to the name of the district-level administrative unit prior to the arrangement. This approach aims to facilitate the digitalization and updating of information data.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has also highlighted the importance of maintaining the historical and cultural significance of the regions during this restructuring process. The criteria for arranging administrative units will take into account the historical, cultural, and ethnic characteristics of each area to ensure that local identities are preserved.
In conclusion, the proposed administrative restructuring represents a significant shift in Vietnam's governance model. By reducing the number of administrative units and streamlining local governance, the Ministry of Home Affairs aims to create a more efficient and effective administrative framework. As these changes are implemented, the focus will remain on enhancing local governance capabilities while preserving the unique characteristics of each region.
