Circular 23/2017/TT-BLDTBXH provides guidelines on: (i) reception of application files for approval on demand for employment of foreign Employees; (ii) issuance and re-issuance of work permits; (iii) certification that foreign Employees working in Vietnam fall out the category of work permit issuance via electronic networks. Although this circular took effect on 02/10/2017, the authorities in several provinces and cities received application files for online work permit issuance to foreign Employees prior to its effective date.
The DOLISAs of Ho Chi Minh City and Da Nang City have made trial run on the software relating to procedures for issuing work permits to foreign Employees and received positive results. Therefore the online application file for work permits is mandatory for enterprises. Additionally, lodging application files will not be accepted except for submission of original documents for comparisons, if necessary. However, in Binh Duong province, the competent authorities allow enterprises to decide their submission of application files to be online or direct in support of enterprises.
Since each province or city has its own guidelines on online application for issuance of work permits to foreign Employees, enterprises should contact the DOLISA of the locality where the application file is submitted for detailed instructions and pay attention to the following steps during online application:[1]
- At least 7 working days before the intended date on which foreign Employees start working, Employers must electronically fill in declaration forms and submit application files for work permits for foreign Employees through online portal http://dvc.vieclamvietnam.gov.vn;
- Within 5 working days of receiving the declaration forms and application for work permits, the work permit issuing agencies will give feedback by email to the applicants. If the declaration forms and application files for work permits are inconsistent with the law, the applicants will be required to properly supplement; and
- After receiving a confirmation that application files for work permits are conforming to the law, enterprises will submit the original application files for work permits to the work permit issuing agencies to check, compare and retain them as regulated by law. Not later than 8 working hours from its receipt of the original application files for work permits, the work permit issuing agencies must deliver processing results to the applicants.
Enterprises may refer to the said information and
contents for an overview of online application and issuance of work permits. In
addition, enterprises may consult local work permit issuing agencies to ensure
the related procedures are implemented in the simplest and most accurate
manner.
[1]Articles 7.1. 7.2 and 7.3 Circular 23/2017/TT-BLDTBXH dated 15/08/2017