More than 22,300 positions across Vietnam’s ministries and government agencies have been streamlined following administrative restructuring efforts, according to a report from the Ministry of Home Affairs.

This figure represents a 20% reduction in staffing, reflecting progress in public administration reform mandated by Resolution No. 18/2017.

The Ministry’s report on administrative reform outcomes in 2024 and the first quarter of 2025 highlights notable advancements in downsizing and restructuring the state administrative apparatus at both central and local levels.

In 2024, the government and the Prime Minister continued to promote the reorganization of the state apparatus toward a leaner, more efficient structure. In the first quarter of 2025, the National Assembly passed several laws and resolutions, including one on the structure and personnel of the Government for the 2021–2026 term.

As a result, the government now comprises 17 ministries and ministerial-level agencies (14 ministries and 3 equivalent agencies), a reduction of five from previous terms. Six new ministries were formed, while 11 existing ones remained unchanged.

The Ministry of Home Affairs has worked swiftly with relevant ministries to draft legislation guiding the restructuring process. It has also issued timely instructions to provinces to consolidate provincial- and district-level administrative bodies.

Within central-level ministries and agencies, the following reductions have been achieved: 13 general departments dissolved; 519 departments and equivalent structures eliminated; 219 bureaus removed; 3,303 sub-departments abolished; and 203 public service units shut down.

At the provincial and municipal levels, restructuring led to the elimination of 12 sub-departments and equivalent units under provincial governments, and 29 departmental units under district authorities. As of December 2024, the nationwide tally included the dissolution of 13 departments, and over 2,600 local-level units.

Provinces praised for effectively implementing administrative restructuring and personnel management include Hung Yen, Hanoi, Nghe An, Quang Ninh, Dong Nai, Kon Tum, Quang Ngai, An Giang, Hau Giang, Son La, Dak Nong, and Ba Ria – Vung Tau.

Nationwide, a total of 16,149 civil servant and public employee positions were cut in 2024, with 217 reductions from ministries and 15,932 from local governments.

Overall, following the latest round of central government restructuring, the number of positions was reduced by approximately 22,323, equivalent to 20%. Ministries, agencies, and provinces are largely operating within their approved personnel allocations and have been proactive in planning further streamlining aligned with job-based restructuring and professional development.

Nguyen Thao