Amid growing digital transformation, Vietnam’s Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed allowing certain civil servants to work remotely or part-time, with a stronger focus on work efficiency rather than physical presence.

The proposal is part of the ongoing public consultation for the amended Law on Cadres and Civil Servants, which is scheduled to be submitted to the National Assembly in its May session.

Drawing on international experiences in civil service legislation, the ministry put forward a number of recommendations aimed at modernizing Vietnam’s approach.

In many countries, civil servants are granted generous leave entitlements. If these days are unused, they can often be carried forward and accumulated throughout a civil servant’s career. Maternity or parental leave can last up to three years, including time for adopting and caring for children.

The ministry suggests Vietnam consider expanding leave categories to include personal administrative tasks (such as land or driver’s license procedures, medical appointments), extended maternity leave, adoption leave, and caregiving responsibilities for children, parents, or siblings. Time off could also be granted for participation in community or social activities.

In terms of working arrangements, the ministry proposes a flexible model aligned with digital governance and e-government goals. This could include part-time and remote work options for civil servants - particularly those not directly interacting with citizens, or those responsible for caring for young children or elderly parents, and individuals living in high-cost urban centers.

Remote work, the ministry notes, would help reduce operational costs such as lighting, air conditioning, equipment, and workspace maintenance. It would also give civil servants greater flexibility to balance work with family life.

The ministry’s research also found that countries like the United States and Japan place strong emphasis on political loyalty and ethical standards. For instance, civil servants in those nations must swear allegiance to national interests and pledge to comply with the law upon assuming office.

In Thailand and New Zealand, civil servants must remain politically neutral and are barred from simultaneously holding elected positions or roles in political organizations.

Therefore, the ministry recommends that Vietnam introduce clear, measurable requirements for political loyalty and ethical standards during the recruitment process. Furthermore, it advocates for a formalized code of conduct and civil service ethics to serve as a basis for disciplinary action against violations.

Such reforms, the ministry believes, would help improve professionalism among civil servants and prevent conflicts of interest arising from dual roles in public and political institutions.

Nguyen Thao