Many new regulations protect workers' rights when they are sick.

The Law on Social Insurance (SI) 2024, which takes effect from July 1, 2025, brings many important changes, especially regulations related to sick leave. These amendments will ensure the best interests of employees, helping them feel secure in their treatment and recovery while still receiving financial and medical support.

According to Vietnam Social Security, one of the notable new points is the addition of a regulation on half-day sick leave (Clause 5, Article 45). This regulation demonstrates flexibility and humanity, responding to the reality when employees need to rest for a short time to see a doctor or receive treatment.

The sick leave benefit for a half-day will be calculated at half the benefit for a full-day. When calculating sick leave benefits for employees who are absent for less than a full day, the 2024 Social Insurance Law specifically stipulates: absences of less than half a day will be counted as half a day; absences from half a day to less than a full day will be counted as a full day. This ensures employees receive benefits more fairly and clearly.

Workers register for health check-ups at the Workers' Day event organized by the Trade Union and Youth Union of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on June 8, 2025. Photo: HONG HAI

The 2024 Social Insurance Law has codified and supplemented cases where employees are entitled to sick leave benefits (points a, c, d, Clause 1 and point b, Clause 2, Article 42), including: Treatment for illnesses that are not occupational diseases - this is the most common case, ensuring employees receive support for common illnesses; Treatment for accidents sustained while traveling from home to work or from work back home along reasonable routes and within reasonable timeframes as prescribed by law on occupational safety and health; Donation, procurement, and transplantation of human tissues and organs - this addition demonstrates encouragement and support for humanitarian and noble acts.

Another very important point is the amendment of the regulations on long-term sick leave. Accordingly, employees can enjoy sick leave for a maximum of 30-70 days in a year depending on working conditions (industry group, job...). The initial benefit level is still 75% of the salary used as the basis for social insurance contributions.

Specifically, if after this period expires, the employee continues to receive treatment for an illness included in the list of diseases requiring long-term treatment issued by the Minister of Health , they will continue to receive sickness benefits at a lower rate, differentiated according to the length of mandatory social insurance contributions: 65% of the salary used as the basis for social insurance contributions if they have contributed for 30 years or more; 55% of the salary used as the basis for social insurance contributions if they have contributed for 15 years to less than 30 years; and 50% of the salary used as the basis for social insurance contributions if they have contributed for less than 15 years.

This regulation demonstrates fairness, encourages employees to participate in long-term social insurance; at the same time ensures a minimum level of support for those who unfortunately suffer from serious illnesses and require long-term treatment.

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Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/nhieu-quy-dinh-moi-bao-ve-quyen-loi-nguoi-lao-dong-khi-om-dau-post802217.html