Decree No. 75/2023/ND-CP (Decree 75) has just been issued and took effect from December 2023. Decree 75 is said to have groundbreaking regulations, creating many favorable conditions for insurance participants such as the expansion of eligible subjects for health insurance support as well as increasing the level of health insurance benefits from 80% to 100% for medical examination and treatment costs covered by health insurance for some target groups to enhance the benefits of participants.

The Government (GOV) has published Decree No. 78/2023/ND-CP aimed at creating a legal basis to ensure safety and efficiency for the operations of the Vietnam Development Bank as well as overcoming and removing obstacles in the process of practical application. Decree 78 regulates cases where credit exceeds the limit to help businesses borrow capital to invest in production and business key projects and also expands the legal framework more reasonably for clients and projects that need loans.

The Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC) has published a new draft decree aimed at addressing the shortcomings and obsolescence of the previous regulations governing the use of Internet services and online information.The new regulation supplements the contents relating to the protection of children in the online environment, as well as provides for stricter regulation of registration and management of Social Networks as well as Live Streaming and Revenue-Generating Services. This new draft decree is currently under review by the competent authorities and is expected to be announced soon.

Obtaining a work permit or a work permit exemption certification in Vietnam is often a concern for foreigners. Decree 152 caused some issues, especially with regard to the requirement to have a degree matching the job. This is no longer required. There is a new requirement to post the vacancy before starting the recruitment.

To fulfill the role of the trade unions in labour dispute resolution procedures, the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour has issued Guidance Number 92/HD-TLD. This guidance will provide instructions for the trade union regarding complaints and participation in civil proceedings in relation to labour disputes at the court.

Circular 6 loosens some restrictions on lending and debt repayment currency while introducing certain new requirements and restrictions. Besides, it also creates a new legal framework for digital lending activities.

A draft amendment and supplement to Decree 152 was issued to remove difficulties and obstacles in the process of applying the provisions of Decree 152/2020/ND-CP. It stipulates stricter requirements for foreign workers and the notification process and procedures, and it limits cases of work permit exemption.

This Draft Decree sets out the administrative sanctions for violating the 2018 Cybersecurity Law. It also sets out sanctions for violating the first-ever Decree on Personal Data. If adopted, the decree will go into effect on 1 December 2023.

From 1 July to the end of 2023, a reduction of 2% in the VAT rate will apply to goods and services. It applies to all stages of importation, manufacturing, processing and trading. For services, it depends on the date of completion.

On 9 January 2023, after nearly 13 years of applying the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment No. 40/2009/QH12, the National Assembly issued the Law on Medical Examination and Treatment No. 15/2023/QH15. This New Law will take effect on 1 January 2024.

Decree 35 brings many positive changes to the legal framework for IPs and EZs, addresses various shortcomings of Decree 82 and is expected to attract more investment in IP and EZ development. For example, the requirement of a minimum 60% occupancy rate no longer applies and housing accommodation for employees working in IPs and EZs.

Decree 34 provides for delayed tax and land fee payments for some types of enterprises such as SMEs, credit institutions, enterprises in certain manufacturing and services sectors. Additional requirements might apply. A request needs to be submitted by 30 September 2022 at the latest.