MHA is gathering feedback for a draft amended Law on Civil Servants, set for presentation to the National Assembly at its May session. Drawing from international experience in civil service laws, MHA has offered recommendations for revision.

Nations highly value civil servants’ rest rights, granting ample leave days, the MHA notes. In some countries, unused annual leave can be accumulated for use throughout a civil servant’s career.

Notably, civil servants receive maternity or childcare leave up to three years, or leave for adopting children.

The ministry suggests that Vietnam should consider adding regulations on leave days, for purposes such as: handling personal matters (land administrative procedures, driver’s licenses, medical visits); extending maternity leave; adopting children; caring for sick children, parents, or siblings; or joining certain social activities.

On work regimes, amid the growth of IT, digital government and administration, MHA proposes part-time or remote work for some staff, focusing on performance.

This regime could apply to specific roles not involving public interaction; to civil servants caring for young children or frail elderly parents; and to those facing costly central-area housing.

According to the ministry, remote work cuts agency costs for lighting, air conditioning, equipment, and office space. Meanwhile, civil servants gain flexibility for family care and work.

The ministry’s research found that nations often set clear political and ethical standards for civil servants. For instance, in the US and Japan, recruits swear loyalty to national interests and law upon taking office.

Thailand and New Zealand mandate political neutrality for civil servants, barring them from holding elected or political organization roles concurrently.

Thus, MHA proposes that Vietnam’s civil servant recruitment conditions and standards be specific, clear, and measurable (especially for political and ethical qualities).

Additionally, Vietnam should develop and issue regulations on civil service ethics and communication norms as bases for disciplining violations during duty; and emphasize professionalism in the civil service, limiting dual roles in elected bodies to ensure objectivity at work.

Public opinions vary on the MHA’s proposal on working from home.

Reader Quang Tan Nguyen said that in this current phase, when Vietnam is building a digital government, he supports the proposal. 

Reader Thong Nguyen wrote: “Operating in a digital environment and e-government means work happens anywhere, even without fixed hours, so the concept of an office fades. I fully support this."

Meanwhile, Xuan Bach opposes the proposal. “Even the US restricts civil servants from remote work, let alone Vietnam. Simply put, the US has plenty of monitoring tools yet still dislikes it. Even efficiency-driven businesses shy away from remote work, let alone the public sector.

Tran Thuong