Ho Chi Minh City to Retain 1,000 Non-Specialized Workers Amidst Public Service Restructuring

Ho Chi Minh City is navigating a complex transition for its non-specialized workforce, a group of dedicated individuals who have been integral to the functioning of local government at the ward and commune levels. As the May 31st deadline looms, signaling the end of their current roles under a national directive, a palpable sense of uncertainty has gripped these workers. However, the city leadership, recognizing their valuable contributions and qualifications, is actively working to retain a significant portion of this experienced cadre. The recent assessments conducted by the City Party Committee have highlighted the strong professional foundation and administrative capabilities of these individuals, many of whom hold university degrees and possess extensive experience.

Initial reports indicate that out of the 5,017 non-specialized workers serving across the city's Party agencies, Fatherland Front, and local government bodies, approximately 1,000 are slated for retention. This selective approach prioritizes those with the longest tenure and the most commendable performance. The city's Department of Home Affairs has developed a multi-pronged strategy, aiming to absorb around 292 individuals into civil servant positions and 652 into public employee roles. This move acknowledges the skills and dedication these workers bring, offering them a pathway to continue their public service in more formal capacities. The city's leadership, including Party Secretary Tran Luu Quang, has publicly affirmed their commitment to selecting the 'best and brightest' among those with over five years of service.

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Many non-specialized workers have accompanied the wards and communes for a very long time. For those with over 5 years of work experience, Ho Chi Minh City will select about 1,000 of the best, most outstanding people to recruit as civil servants and public employees.

However, the reality for the majority—an estimated 4,073 workers—is a departure from public service. The city is concurrently working on establishing mechanisms to provide the best possible support for those who will be leaving their positions. This includes exploring options for redeployment to neighborhood-level roles, foundational security forces, or other community-focused positions, as well as ensuring fair severance and policy settlements. The challenge lies in managing this transition equitably, ensuring that the years of service and commitment of these individuals are recognized and appropriately addressed, even as the city realigns its administrative structure according to national guidelines.

This situation also brings to light broader discussions about public administration efficiency in Vietnam. Delegate Le Minh Duc has pointed out the current irrational distribution of staffing quotas in wards and communes, which he describes as a major bottleneck in urban governance. He argues for greater autonomy in staffing, allowing for adjustments based on population size and area, a perspective that aligns with Ho Chi Minh City's efforts to optimize its workforce. While the integration of experienced non-specialized workers into formal roles is a positive step, the city faces the significant task of supporting those who will transition out of public service, ensuring their contributions are not forgotten and that they are adequately prepared for their next chapter.

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The distribution of staffing quotas in wards and communes is currently unreasonable and has become the biggest bottleneck in urban governance.