Ministry of Home Affairs Responds to Ho Chi Minh City on Support for Non-Specialized Personnel

The Ministry of Home Affairs has responded to Ho Chi Minh City's inquiry regarding additional financial support for non-specialized personnel affected by workforce reductions. The city had sought guidance on implementing supplementary support from the local budget, beyond the standard government provisions.

In its official response, the Ministry of Home Affairs stated that the government's Decree 154/2025 has eliminated previous regulations that permitted provincial People's Councils to issue additional support policies. This change aims to ensure a more uniform application of downsizing benefits across the political system.

Consequently, non-specialized personnel at the commune level who are retiring due to downsizing will now only be eligible for the benefits stipulated by the central government. They will no longer receive supplementary support funded by local budgets. This decision impacts over 4,000 individuals in Ho Chi Minh City who are expected to leave their positions after May 31st, with the city having initially proposed additional support ranging from 1 to 1.5 times the base salary per year of service.

The Ministry also provided clarification on circumstances requiring the repayment of downsizing severance pay. Individuals who are re-employed within 60 months by state-funded agencies must return their severance. However, exceptions exist, such as employment in certain public service units, contract work under specific government decrees, or roles in local security forces. Those elected as People's Council deputies and receiving a salary from the state budget, however, must repay the severance.