Vietnam proposes expanding occupational accident insurance to include pensioners and gig workers

Vietnam is considering expanding mandatory insurance coverage for occupational accidents and diseases to better protect workers in evolving employment landscapes. The Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed including pensioners who hold employment contracts of at least one month, as well as gig economy workers such as ride-hailing drivers and delivery personnel, in the mandatory insurance scheme.

Currently, occupational accident and disease insurance primarily covers those under mandatory social insurance. However, the ministry notes that existing regulations have limitations and do not keep pace with labor market developments. Certain groups of workers with high accident risks are not fully covered by current policies.

The proposed amendments aim to broaden the scope of insurance to match the growth of the labor market and new forms of employment. The goal is to enhance worker protection by refining insurance policies and benefits. The draft law also suggests a voluntary participation mechanism for contract workers employed for less than a month.

This proposed shift reflects a move from a model that covers only formal labor to one that includes platform and non-standard workers, mirroring trends seen in the digital economy worldwide. The Ministry of Home Affairs believes these changes will also ensure consistency with the 2024 Social Insurance Law and support the expansion of social security in the new era.