In Vietnam, fines for foreign workers were tightened starting September 10
As of September 10, 2026, Decree No. 283/2026/ND-CP came into force in Vietnam, establishing administrative fines in the labor sector, including violations of the rules for employing foreign citizens. The document was adopted by the government on July 15, 2026.
A foreign worker who works without a work permit or a document confirming exemption from obtaining one may be fined 15–25 million dong. The same fine is предусмотрed for using an expired permit or a document exempting from a work permit.
Depending on the nature of the violation, additional measures are also possible. In particular, the legislation provides for the deportation of a foreign worker, as well as the confiscation of altered, forged, or improperly issued documents.
Separate fines are предусмотрed for employers. If a company hires foreign workers without a valid permit or exemption document, or uses expired documents, the amount of the fine depends on the number of employees. For a violation involving 1–10 workers, the fine is 30–45 million dong; 11–20 workers — 45–60 million dong; and 21 or more workers — 60–75 million dong.
Employers may also be fined 5–10 million dong for each foreign worker if the worker’s actual position does not match the information in the work permit or exemption document. The total amount of such a fine is capped at 75 million dong.
More serious sanctions are предусмотрed for document falsification. An employer who alters or distorts documents in an application for the issuance, reissuance, or extension of a work permit may receive a fine of 40–60 million dong. The same range applies when forged documents are used, if the violation does not rise to the level of a criminal offense.
The new rules apply not only to workers but also to the organizations that employ them. According to government clarifications, organizations are subject to fines in amounts twice as high as the corresponding fine for individuals.
Foreign workers are advised to check in advance the validity period of their permit, whether the position stated in it matches their actual work, and whether they have the necessary exemption documents.
Official source of the Government of Vietnam: https://vanban.chinhphu.vn/?docid=218871&pageid=27160&typegroupid=4
Official information on the rules for employing foreigners: https://en.baochinhphu.vn/outstanding-policies-take-effect-from-september-2026-111260830142959128.htm
