Vietnam lawmakers eye social insurance expansion for gig economy workers

Vietnam's National Assembly is examining amendments to the Social Insurance Law that would broaden coverage to workers currently excluded from mandatory protection schemes, including gig economy workers, delivery personnel and those lacking formal employment contracts.

During the 16th National Assembly's second session, several deputies supported the expansion, noting the growing ranks of informal workers and technology-enabled drivers who operate outside traditional employment frameworks. These workers have long fallen into regulatory gaps, leaving them vulnerable without social safety nets.

However, lawmakers emphasized that any expansion must follow a carefully calibrated roadmap with explicit rules governing contribution calculations, employer and worker obligations, and the specific responsibilities of digital platforms. The deputies called for clarity on how platforms would contribute to insurance funds and how contribution amounts would be determined for workers with irregular or variable incomes.

The proposed amendments reflect Vietnam's evolving labor market, where digital economy participation has surged in recent years. Policymakers acknowledged the challenge of adapting century-old social insurance frameworks to modern work arrangements while ensuring fund sustainability and adequate worker protections.

The National Assembly is expected to continue deliberations on implementation mechanisms before finalizing legislative changes to accommodate these emerging worker categories.