Investments

Unrivaled and Unchallenged: This Region Reigns Supreme as Vietnam’s Labor Export Capital

Annually, remittances from overseas workers to their families in Vietnam total an estimated $600–650 million.

4 October, 2025

Nghe An: Vietnam’s Labor Export Hub

At the conference summarizing the Employment Solution Project for workers in Nghe An province from 2021 to 2025, provincial representatives announced that employment had been secured for 230,763 workers. This achievement surpasses the target by 109.88%, marking a 22% increase compared to the 2016-2020 period. Additionally, the province facilitated 98,427 workers to take up fixed-term jobs abroad, maintaining its national lead in overseas contract labor.

Currently, over 60% of workers going abroad under fixed-term contracts have received language training, orientation, and vocational skills. Key industries include mechanics, welding, scaffolding, tiling, garment manufacturing, nursing, caregiving, and domestic work. However, a portion of the workforce remains unskilled.

Notably, about 7% are highly skilled workers, including college and university graduates. This group primarily works in fields such as construction engineering, mechanics, machinery manufacturing, IT, and advanced nursing.

A Japanese language class for export workers in Vinh. Photo: Minh Quân

Upon returning after their contracts end, many skilled workers continue to work for domestic FDI enterprises with stable incomes. Annually, remittances sent home by these workers range from 600 to 650 million USD, significantly contributing to socio-economic growth.

From 2026 to 2030, the province aims to provide employment for over 230,000 workers (approximately 46,000 to 47,000 annually). This includes 135,000 jobs within the province, 18,500 jobs outside the province, and sending 80,000 workers abroad.

Japan: A Preferred Destination for Export Workers

Nghe An’s export workers primarily target markets like Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, and European countries such as Australia, Romania, and Singapore. Overseas workers earn an average monthly income of 17 to 35 million VND.

In the past decade, Japan has seen the fastest growth in demand among high-income labor markets for Nghe An workers.

According to Nghe An’s official portal, this is due to the average monthly salary in Japan, which ranges from 120,000 to 180,000 JPY (21 to 30 million VND), depending on the industry and skill level. During periods of high yen exchange rates, earnings can exceed 40 million VND monthly.

Japan also offers well-defined benefits, including insurance, leave, and bonuses, along with opportunities for contract renewals, making it an attractive choice for many workers.

Nghe An workers at foreign enterprises. Photo: Thu Hương

However, Japan maintains strict labor recruitment standards. Companies often require a “3-to-1” selection ratio, meaning three times the number of applicants are needed for each position. This rigorous process can discourage workers who fail multiple interviews.

Additionally, Japan’s fast-paced and highly disciplined work culture can be challenging for Vietnamese workers to adapt to initially.

The cost of going to Japan, ranging from 80 to 120 million VND per worker, is also a significant barrier for low-income families.