Labor demand surges in Dong Nai

Dong Nai’s labor market is entering a vibrant phase as recruitment demand from enterprises continues to rise, particularly in the manufacturing, processing, and export-oriented sectors.

Job seekers attend interviews and explore employment opportunities at the Dong Nai City Employment Service Center (DESC). Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Meanwhile, the accelerated rollout of major infrastructure projects is generating tens of thousands of additional employment opportunities, further boosting labor demand across the city.

Enterprises seek tens of thousands of workers

According to a report by the DESC, enterprises across the locality are expected to recruit approximately 173,000 workers in 2026, up nearly 20 percent compared with the previous year. Of the total, unskilled and general workers account for the largest share, with nearly 134,000 vacancies. In the second quarter of 2026 alone, recruitment demand is estimated at around 14,000 workers to support production expansion plans and fulfill export orders. Sectors with particularly strong hiring needs include textiles and garments, footwear, electronics, mechanical engineering, wood processing, and construction.

The growing demand for the workforce has prompted many enterprises in industrial parks such as Nhon Trach, Long Khanh, Bau Xeo, Amata, and Dong Phu to launch large-scale recruitment drives. Beyond the increase in vacancy numbers, Dong Nai’s labor market has also seen improvements in wages and employee benefits. Average monthly earnings for newly recruited workers now exceed VND8 million. At the same time, many enterprises have introduced additional incentives, including housing assistance, shuttle services, productivity bonuses, and enhanced welfare packages, as competition for labor continues to intensify.

Hyosung Dong Nai Co., Ltd. in Nhon Trach 5 Industrial Park (IP) regularly recruits large numbers of general workers with monthly earnings ranging from VND9 million to VND14 million, including basic salary, allowances, and bonuses for new employees, excluding overtime payments.

The company also provides free transportation, lunch meals, and full benefits in accordance with regulations. Current recruitment demand is concentrated in positions such as packaging, machine operation, and fiber winding. In recent weeks, the company has expanded its hiring efforts through livestream recruitment sessions to connect directly with potential candidates.

Meanwhile, Hwaseung Vina Co., Ltd. in Nhon Trach 1 IP has maintained continuous recruitment of general workers. Nguyen Dac Vinh, Deputy Head of the company’s Human Resources Department, said the enterprise prioritizes male and female applicants in good health who possess basic reading and writing skills. To attract workers, the company offers a range of incentives, including a VND2 million allowance for newly hired employees and a VND700,000 referral bonus for workers who successfully introduce relatives or friends to the company. In addition, daily shuttle bus services, performance bonuses, and various employee welfare programs are maintained to support workers and encourage long-term commitment to the enterprise.

Alongside demand for factory workers, the implementation and upcoming operation of key infrastructure projects, particularly Long Thanh International Airport, is providing an additional boost to the labor market. According to the Department of Home Affairs (DoHA), Long Thanh International Airport is expected to recruit nearly 14,000 workers, including between 4,000 and 6,000 employees during the first phase. Positions include drivers, service fee collection staff, waste management personnel, aircraft stand supervisors, and inspection officers. Similarly, the Aqua City project is expected to require nearly 15,000 workers ranging from general laborers to university graduates.

A company participates in a recruitment event at the DESC. Photo: Nguyen Hoa

Strengthening labor supply-demand connectivity

Despite strong recruitment demand, many enterprises across the city continue to struggle to find suitable workers. Localized labor shortages have emerged in several industrial parks as workers relocate to other localities or seek jobs offering better working conditions and higher incomes. According to several enterprises, recruitment targets have remained difficult to achieve despite salary increases and expanded welfare packages.

Do Thi Ha, a human resources officer at Vietnam Fortune Technology International Co., Ltd. in Binh Phuoc ward, said the company’s recruitment demand remains substantial as orders continue to increase, particularly for general workers. Although the company has expanded recruitment through multiple channels, attracting sufficient labor remains challenging. In addition to competitive salaries, the company offers fuel allowances, Lunar New Year bonuses, and an additional month’s salary at year-end to enhance its appeal to job seekers.

To strengthen labor market connectivity, the DESC has stepped up the organization of job fairs since the beginning of 2026, combining in-person and online formats to help enterprises and workers access recruitment information more quickly and effectively. Through these employment exchanges, thousands of vacancies across various sectors and occupations have been introduced, helping to address part of the workforce demand faced by businesses.

Moreover, the center has expanded its outreach beyond urban areas and industrial parks by coordinating with local authorities to organize mobile job fairs in communes throughout the city. Specifically, on June 24, the center will hold a job fair in Bu Dang commune, with dozens of recruiting enterprises participating. The event will enable rural workers to connect directly with employers, receive career guidance, and learn about employment support policies. As a result, the initiative is expected to create more job opportunities, improve incomes for local residents, and provide additional labor resources for enterprises experiencing significant recruitment demand.

The strong rise in recruitment demand reflects a positive recovery trend in production and business activities across the city. Beyond creating stable employment opportunities for workers, it is also expected to provide fresh momentum for Dong Nai’s socio-economic growth.

Mai Xuan Tuan, Deputy Director of the DoHA, said that to achieve Dong Nai’s target of having 2.6 million employed workers by 2030, the department aims to create, supply, and introduce jobs for between 40,000 and 42,000 workers annually, meeting labor demand both within the city and in affiliated localities. During the 2026-2030 period, the department aims to support employment for between 160,000 and 168,000 workers, helping ensure a stable labor supply for enterprises while providing an important foundation for Dong Nai’s long-term socio-economic development.

By N. Hoa – Translated by M.Nguyet, Minho