Audit Finds Multiple Errors in Handling Layoff Benefits in Lam Dong

Vietnam's State Audit has uncovered widespread problems in the implementation of staff-reduction policies in Lam Dong, prompting the provincial government to demand an urgent review and accountability checks.

The findings concern the implementation of Decree 178/2024, as amended by Decree 67/2025, covering personnel restructuring and benefits for workers leaving public service. They affect agencies in the three provinces that existed before the merger: Lam Dong, Binh Thuan and Dak Nong.

One recurring problem was that agencies had not issued criteria for identifying workers who should leave because of the restructuring. Several departments also failed to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the quality of their civil servants, public employees and other workers. The agencies cited included the health, finance, justice, foreign affairs, and education and training departments, as well as a number of wards and communes.

The audit identified another group of units that had not fully reviewed their personnel before deciding who should leave. It also found cases in which workers had been allowed to leave and receive benefits even though the conditions, standards or legal basis used to identify them did not fit the policy. The audit said those errors showed signs of potentially causing losses to the state budget.

The Department of Home Affairs, which advises the provincial government on organizational structure, personnel and staff-reduction policies, also came under scrutiny. According to the audit documents, it had not advised the province to issue criteria for evaluating personnel or to establish screening and priority criteria for voluntary departures. Such criteria were intended to help retain officials with ability, achievements and long service. Vice Chairman Vo Ngoc Hiep instructed departments, agencies and local administrations to act on the audit's recommendations and address the shortcomings.