After several drafts and discussion, the new labor code that was submitted in early June to the Vietnam National Assembly was approved on 18 June 2012.
Among several other labor changes, and pursuant to article 173 of the new labor code, the initial duration of a Work Permit for foreign employees is reduced from up to 3 years to up to 2 years - renewable.

The new labor code will come into effect from 1 May 2013 and will be followed by several new decrees and circulars to amend current regulations.