Proposal to give priority to foreign experts to obtain Vietnamese citizenship

The Ministry of Justice is appraising a draft Decree stipulating policies and regimes to attract experts in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

According to the report of the Ministry of Home Affairs , there are currently no specific regulations on criteria, selection process or mechanisms and policies to attract experts in science, technology, innovation and digital transformation, while these are key figures to implement major programs and projects on technology, smart cities, digital infrastructure, cyber security, etc.

This makes it difficult to find and recommend strategic talent. Many talented domestic and foreign experts are not ready to participate due to lack of legal guarantees and adequate working conditions.

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The goal is to attract, select and employ at least 100 experts by 2030 to implement especially important programs and projects, key strategies, and breakthrough initiatives in the fields of science , technology, innovation and digital transformation, especially strategic technology industries.

100% of experts are assigned specific tasks, with output products associated with programs, tasks, science, technology, innovation and digital transformation projects, along with transparent remuneration and evaluation mechanisms.

From 2030 onwards, retain 100 leading experts from phase 1; develop an unlimited number of leading experts who are Vietnamese overseas and foreigners.

The draft decree stipulates the regime and policies for experts. Salaries are negotiated and guaranteed to be commensurate with the assigned tasks based on reference to the expert's salary and the average salary in the domestic and international labor market.

The annual bonus is decided by the agency, organization or unit assigned to take charge of implementing the program, task or project based on the assessment of the results of the assigned task and a maximum of 4 months of salary according to the contract.

Reward at least 30% of profits earned from leasing, selling, transferring, assigning the right to use, self-exploiting, using the results of scientific, technological and innovative tasks; at least 30% of the value of the results of scientific, technological and innovative tasks determined when contributing capital, cooperating, joint venture, association, service business or establishing an enterprise...

Experts are initially supported with 1 month's salary according to the contract to stabilize accommodation, travel, and essential purchases. In addition, experts are exempt from personal income tax , enjoy preferential policies on exit and entry; are granted multiple visas or temporary residence cards corresponding to the duration of the program and task implementation.

Experts are also supported with housing rent, transportation or provided with standard apartments and transportation during their time as experts; and are paid for research and scientific exchange abroad when assigned by the agency, organization or unit assigned to implement the program, task or project.

Experts are provided with a voluntary health care package not exceeding 1% of their annual salary according to the labor contract; are entitled to 7 days of domestic vacation each year and receive financial support (up to 1 month's salary according to the labor contract) for themselves and their family members (including father, mother, wife or husband, children under 18 years old); are entitled to leave according to the provisions of law; are paid for round-trip airfare once a year for experts and their family members (including father, mother, wife or husband, children under 18 years old) to return home.

Experts are honored or recognized for their contributions when they officially take up their duties in Vietnam and when their duties under their labor contracts end; senior leaders of the Party and State meet, commend, listen to recommendations and proposals; and participate in forums to exchange experiences on science, technology, innovation and digital transformation.

Consideration of appointment to leadership and management positions

The draft decree proposes that after completing their duties, foreign experts will be given priority to obtain Vietnamese citizenship if they wish.

Overseas Vietnamese experts who wish to work as civil servants or public employees without taking an exam will be considered for admission to the position of civil servant or public employee without having to take an exam if they meet the conditions prescribed by the law on nationality and the law on cadres, civil servants and public employees. In addition, experts will also be considered for appointment to leadership and management positions without having to meet the conditions on working time, planning and other conditions as prescribed if the agency or unit has a need.

Experts are supported in finding schools for their children and tuition support for children under 18 years old; are provided with a voluntary health care package for each family member not exceeding 1% of their annual salary.

Experts' families are also supported with introductions and created conditions to access suitable job opportunities; are granted multiple-entry visas and temporary residence cards corresponding to the expert's working time (if any).

After 12 months from the date of signing the contract, if the expert meets the program requirements and assigned tasks, the agency, organization or individual that nominated the expert will be awarded 1 month's salary according to the labor contract.

Agencies, organizations and individuals who successfully nominate experts will also enjoy a bonus regime to encourage and motivate them in a timely manner.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/de-xuat-chuyen-gia-nuoc-ngoai-duoc-uu-tien-nhap-quoc-tich-viet-nam-2432545.html