Vietnamese overseas workers getting younger

Between 2022 and 2025, approximately 412,000 Vietnamese individuals went abroad for work, according to a report from the General Statistics Office of Vietnam. The study, based on the 2025 Labor Force Survey and an in-depth survey of guest workers, revealed several notable trends. The rate of unmarried guest workers rose from 52% in 2021 to 61% in 2025.

Geographically, the origins of Vietnamese workers abroad have shifted; in 2025, 23% came from the Mekong Delta region, up from 12% in 2022, while 23% came from northern midlands and mountainous regions, compared to 12% previously. About 80% of foreign workers held high school diplomas, yet the majority were employed in roles requiring low to medium skill levels.

Manufacturing jobs constituted 45% of the total, while construction, agriculture, trade, automobile and motorcycle repair, and accommodation and food services were other significant sectors. Salaries varied greatly by occupation, with managers and technical professionals earning VND51.7 million ($1,960) monthly, nearly double the overall average of VND28 million ($1,077).

Workers engaged in manual tasks earned more than VND24 million ($923), while skilled trades, agricultural workers, and craft workers generally earned VND27-29 million. The income disparity underscores the importance of vocational training, technical skills, and foreign language proficiency for seeking better-paying jobs. The report recommended tailoring training programs to meet the specific needs of each market.

Vietnamese workers were present in 42 countries and territories, but nearly 77% were in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. To provide workers with more options and mitigate risks from policy changes, the General Statistics Office recommended expanding to markets with steady labor demand, favorable working conditions, and higher salaries.