Dong Nai becomes second home for many workers

In recent years, Dong Nai has emerged as one of the localities attracting a large number of workers from across the country. With rapid industrial growth, increasingly developed infrastructure, and a stable working environment, the province is now considered the second home for many migrant workers.

Workers of Shing Mark Enterprise Co., Ltd. in An Vien commune during production hours. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

As a province located in the Southern key economic region, Dong Nai possesses a strong system of industrial parks, namely Bien Hoa, Long Thanh, Nhon Trach, Dong Xoai, Bac Dong Phu…

A destination for migrant workers

Dong Nai is home to thousands of domestic and foreign enterprises investing in production and business, creating a large demand for human resources. As a result, workers have many opportunities to choose jobs suitable for their qualifications and skills, from unskilled to highly skilled positions.

Beyond job availability, income levels in Dong Nai are relatively stable compared to many other localities. The average monthly income of workers is now close to VND10 million, supported by enterprises’ improvements in wages, particularly in the industrial sector. In addition to basic salaries, workers benefit from insurance, bonuses, and allowances, helping them feel secure and committed to their jobs and the locality.

Worker Le Tran Thu Ha, working at Saitex International Dong Nai Co., Ltd. in Amata Industrial Park, Long Binh ward, said that choosing Dong Nai as a place to settle down was her right decision after years of hardship. As a migrant worker, she never thought she could stabilize her life in a new place. But Dong Nai has given her stable job opportunities, sufficient income to cover expenses, and gradually accumulate for the future. " What keeps me here in the long term is not only the job but also the improving living environment. Infrastructure is developing, essential services are available, and my children can study conveniently. More importantly, I feel the concern of businesses and trade unions in taking care of workers' lives," Ha shared.

Another factor making Dong Nai attractive is its relatively affordable cost of living. Compared to major cities, rental and service costs are more budget-friendly and suitable for workers’ incomes. Many low-cost boarding houses have been built near industrial zones, making it convenient for workers to commute and manage their daily lives.

Le Van Hanh, a worker renting accommodation in Bien Hoa Ward, said that despite living there for more than eight years, his rent has remained stable. This makes him and many workers feel secure, especially in the context of increasing living costs. “I no longer see myself as a temporary resident. Dong Nai has truly become my second home, where I have a job, a family, and the confidence to build a stable future,” he confided.

To retain its workforce, local authorities have implemented various support policies for migrant workers, including social welfare programs and improvements in healthcare and education. Cultural and sports activities for workers have also been organized, helping them feel more connected to their workplace.

In the context of integration and development, Dong Nai is not only a workplace but also gradually becoming the second home for many migrant workers, where they place their hopes, build their future, and seek stability for their lives.

Expectations for better living standards

Despite these advantages, migrant workers in Dong Nai still face challenges such as work pressure, limited family connections, and fluctuations in the labor market. However, with a dynamic local economy and increasing government support, the province is expected to remain a stable and long-term destination for millions of workers nationwide.

According to Bui Thi Bich Thuy, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial Labor Federation, Dong Nai’s anticipated transition into a centrally governed city will not only mark an administrative milestone but also open up significant opportunities for workers. With a strong industrial base and rapid urbanization, the "city upgrade" process is expected to bring positive changes to the labor market, offering more job options, including positions requiring higher qualifications.

The urban development process in Dong Nai in the coming period is expected to lead to positive changes in the quality of life for residents. Synchronous investment in transportation, healthcare, education, housing infrastructure, and public utilities will contribute to improving living conditions for migrant workers. In addition, the development of social housing areas helps workers feel secure to stay long-term, while actively contributing to the sustainable development of the locality.

Tran Thi Hanh, a worker at Bien Hoa 2 Industrial Park, said that in the future, when Dong Nai becomes a centrally-governed city, it will open up many job opportunities, better incomes, and living conditions for workers. "We hope that when it becomes a centrally governed city, Dong Nai will invest in more synchronous infrastructure, especially housing for workers and convenient transportation. If living conditions are improved, workers will feel secure to stay long-term, contributing to overall development," Hanh shared.

In fact, recently, alongside stable job opportunities, there have been concerns about workers’ living conditions, incomes, housing, and social security services, especially migrant workers. Addressing these issues so that workers not only come to work but also choose to stay remains a key challenge for Dong Nai on its path toward sustainable development.

By Nguyen Hoa – Translated by Mai Nga, Thu Ha