Dong Nai shortens processing time for labour procedures

The Labour Division under the Dong Nai Department of Home Affairs (DoHA) is streamlining administrative procedures to reduce actual processing times while ensuring all applications are handled within statutory deadlines.

The review and optimization of each processing step are expected to make administrative procedures more convenient for businesses while improving the effectiveness of administrative reform in the labour sector.

Striving to process applications ahead of schedule

On May 26, 2026, an application submitted by Thai Viet Corporation JSC in Binh Phuoc ward for a work permit for a foreign employee was received through the online public service system. Although the statutory processing time was 10 working days, with a deadline of June 9, the company received the approved application just six days later.

Officials of the Labour Division process online administrative applications for businesses.

Another example involved an application to reissue a work permit for a foreign employee working at Emivest Feedmill Vietnam Co., Ltd. – Dong Nai Livestock Branch. The application was received on July 22, although the statutory deadline was July 28, the result was returned to the company on July 24. These are just two of many applications that have been processed ahead of schedule by the Labour Division in recent months.

Vu Thi Nhu Quynh, an official of the Labour Division, said staff members always strive to process applications as quickly as possible to better serve residents and businesses. To achieve this, officials must have a solid understanding of administrative procedures, handle each application proactively and flexibly while ensuring full compliance with legal requirements and avoiding overdue cases.

The fact that many applications are processed ahead of schedule reflects the division's proactive approach to administrative reform. It also enables businesses to better plan their workforce, particularly those recruiting foreign experts and skilled workers to support production and business activities.

During the first six months of 2026, the Labour Division received more than 2,100 applications. All applications due for processing were completed on time or ahead of schedule, while the remaining cases are still being processed within the prescribed time limits or are awaiting supplementary documents, suspended or cancelled in accordance with regulations. Most applications involved the issuance, renewal or reissuance of work permits for foreign employees, as well as registration of machinery, equipment and materials subject to strict occupational safety requirements. These procedures are closely linked to business operations, reflecting growing and increasingly diverse demand for labour-related administrative services.

Beyond a 100% on-time record

Speaking at the DoHA’s six-month review conference, Nguyen Tri Phang, Deputy Head in charge of the Labour Division, said the division is currently responsible for 39 administrative procedures, handling more than 3,000 applications annually, with statutory processing times ranging from three to 10 working days, depending on the type of procedure. Labour administration in Dong Nai has seen marked improvements in recent years. However, since labour management functions were transferred to the DoHA and following the merger of both former Dong Nai and Binh Phuoc provinces, the number of businesses under the department's management has increased significantly, resulting in a much heavier workload and greater pressure in handling specialized administrative procedures.

In addition to the rising number of applications, many procedures require detailed verification. Officials must carefully examine supporting documents and ensure all legal requirements are fully met before applications are submitted for approval.

According to Phang, to meet increasing management demands while continuing to improve service quality for residents and businesses, the Labour Division has comprehensively reviewed all administrative procedures and developed measures to optimize processing workflows. Although all applications due for processing have been completed on time or ahead of schedule, he said further reducing actual processing times remains necessary to create a more business-friendly investment environment.

Every streamlined step in the processing workflow helps businesses save time and costs while allowing them to respond more quickly to production and business needs.

Among the proposed reforms is a streamlined workflow for issuing work permits to foreign employees. The Labour Division has proposed reducing the online processing procedure from seven steps to six by removing the stage in which the division's leadership assigns applications to individual officials.

According to the Labour Division, statutory processing times are already limited, while the division's leadership are responsible for a heavy workload. Maintaining the case assignment step within the online system therefore slows the initial processing stage. Moreover, once officials complete their appraisal, applications must still be reviewed and approved by division leader. The division has therefore proposed allowing the one-stop administrative service unit to transfer applications directly to the responsible official. Eliminating the assignment stage would accelerate processing while maintaining strict supervision over administrative procedure outcomes.

The division has also proposed reducing the actual processing time for work permit renewal applications from 10 working days to seven, further digitalizing the entire process of receiving, processing and returning application results, and upgrading the online public service platform to make it more user-friendly. In addition, it has recommended integrating an AI-powered chatbot into the system to provide guidance and support for residents and businesses throughout the administrative process.

By streamlining workflows and expanding the use of digital technologies, the Labour Division aims to shorten processing times, improve service quality and create a more business-friendly administrative environment.

By H. Thao – Translated by M.Nguyet, Thu Ha