Vietnam's Law 69/2020 when you sign a job contract yourself

People going to work in Canada on a C16 permit usually sign their employment contract directly with the Canadian employer, without a placement company. Vietnam's Law on Vietnamese Guest Workers, No. 69/2020/QH14, has specific rules for this case.

About the law

• Number: 69/2020/QH14, passed by the National Assembly on November 13, 2020.
• In force: since January 1, 2022, replacing Law No. 72/2006/QH11.
• Amended (first amendment in force from July 1, 2024).

Article 5 lists "an employment contract signed directly by the Vietnamese worker with a foreign employer" as one of the lawful ways to work abroad.

Requirements (Article 50)

• Full civil capacity and voluntarily working abroad.
• Fit to work under Vietnamese rules and the foreign side's requirements.
• Meeting the foreign employer's language, professional and skill requirements.
• Not banned or temporarily barred from leaving Vietnam.
• A compliant employment contract, and written confirmation that it has been registered with the labour authority of the provincial People's Committee where you permanently reside.

What the contract must include (Article 52)

The contract must comply with Vietnamese and Canadian law and cover: occupation and duties; term; work location; working hours, rest and overtime; wages; food, housing and transport; medical care; social, health and work injury insurance; the employer's responsibility in case of accidents and risks; and the dispute resolution mechanism and governing law.

Registering the contract (Article 53)

• A registration form in the template set by the ministry in charge of labour.
• A copy of the employment contract with a certified Vietnamese translation.
• A copy of your citizen ID card or passport.
• A CV certified by the commune People's Committee where you reside or by your managing organization.

The provincial labour authority confirms in writing within 5 working days of receiving a complete file, or gives its reasons for refusing.

Main rights and obligations (Article 51)

• Protection of your lawful interests by Vietnamese missions abroad; benefits from the Overseas Employment Support Fund.
• You must register the contract, perform it, take part in insurance and pay taxes under Vietnamese and Canadian law, contribute to the Overseas Employment Support Fund and register with the Vietnamese mission in Canada.

Note After the 2025 government restructuring, local labour management functions were transferred. Ask the People's Committee of the province or city where you reside which agency now receives contract registrations and which form is current.