Ho Chi Minh City Ward Struggles as Workers Return Home

Tam Binh ward in Ho Chi Minh City is grappling with a significant exodus of migrant workers returning to their hometowns, a trend that has become increasingly apparent. This situation has led to a substantial labor shortage, particularly impacting industrial zones.

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The ward faces difficulties due to the increasing number of migrant workers leaving Ho Chi Minh City for their hometowns.

At the Linh Trung 2 Export Processing Zone, approximately 40% of workers left after the COVID-19 pandemic. The Binh Chieu Industrial Park faces an even more severe situation, with up to 60% of its workforce gone. Compounding these issues, numerous companies within the Binh Chieu and Song Than industrial parks have relocated their operations, further exacerbating the labor deficit.

Despite these challenges, some sectors in the ward remain stable. The Thủ Đức foodstuff wholesale market and the trade-service sector continue to operate steadily. Additionally, the construction sector and general manual labor have seen an increase in demand compared to the previous year. The number of workers at Linh Trung 2 has stabilized, but Binh Chieu and Song Than industrial parks continue to see declines.

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About 40% of workers have left after the Covid-19 pandemic; at Binh Chieu Industrial Park, this rate reaches up to 60%.

Local authorities are actively seeking solutions to attract and retain workers. Plans include encouraging property owners in areas with many rental rooms, such as the Khiet Tam area and neighborhoods around Linh Trung 2 and Binh Chieu industrial parks, to convert these rooms for students and small businesses. The ward also plans to organize job fairs and create favorable policies to attract investment, aiming for double-digit economic growth in 2026.

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