Pandemic lockdowns

The government's Private Economic Development Research Board did a survey along with VnExpress on the situation of employees this year at the end of April, polling 8,343 people. It found 31% unemployed, and of them, 53% had worked in real estate, 44% in construction and 43% in hospitality. The highest unemployment rates were reported in Ho Chi Minh City, its neighboring provinces of Dong Nai and Binh Duong and the central city of Da Nang (all over 30%). As for reasons for joblessness, 15% suffer because of lack of foreign language skills and 12% because they lack qualifications. But the main reason is the unfavorable economic situation, which has hit businesses hard. More than 32% said they are jobless because their employer closed down temporarily or for good or went bankrupt, and 27% said they were laid off because their company had no orders and had to downsize. The survey was done in late April 2023 on various aspects like employment, underemployment, housing status, … [Read more...] about People struggle to find jobs amid tanking economy

"With the approaching summer holidays and potential easing of visa restrictions, which are under considerations by the National Assembly, Vietnam will likely see a punchier boost from international tourism, a much-needed support for its sharply slowing economy," HSBC said in a report. Vietnam has received 4.6 million international tourists so far this year, around 60% of this year’s target of 8 million. In May alone, it received over 916,000 foreign tourist arrivals. Despite falling slightly from April’s figure, Vietnam has seen its inbound tourism recovery reach around 70% of pre-pandemic levels. Tourists from China, the biggest feeder market of Vietnam’s tourism before the pandemic, have recovered to 35% of pre-pandemic levels. Legislators will vote on new bill on June 24 that seeks to extend the validity of e-visas from 30 days to a maximum of three months and allow multiple entries, and triple to 45 days the duration of visa-free stays for tourists from certain … [Read more...] about Vietnam tourism forecast to see robust growth as visa restrictions relaxed: HSBC

Illustrative photo (Photo: thestar.com.my) Hanoi (VNA) – Myanmar ’s Central Committee on Prevention, Control and Treatment of COVID-19 on May 30 announced that the country will extend COVID-19 preventive measures until June 30. According to the committee, the extension includes all COVID-19 restrictions that were set to expire on May 31, excepting some that will be gradually eased, China's Xinhua News Agency reported on May 31. The extension applies to all orders, announcements and directives issued by relevant government organisations and ministries in their efforts to curb the spread of the pandemic. Official data showed that as of May 30, Myanmar recorded  638,818 COVID-19 cases. The death toll from COVID-19 in the country reached 19,494 and 617,774 patients have recovered./. VNA … [Read more...] about Myanmar extends COVID-19 restrictions until end of June

Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNS/VNA) - Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan has said that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh would chair a meeting of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control this weekend to deliberate the downgrading of COVID-19 from its current placement in Class A infectious diseases down to Class B. Lan told the National Assembly that on May 29 that the World Health Organisation (WHO) announced that COVID-19 no longer constituted a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, the designation that was attached to the viral disease more than three years ago, but the pandemic is not over yet. In accordance with the guidance of the Government leader, the Ministry of Health was also coordinating with other ministries and agencies to review the legal regulations, consult the experience of other countries, and review practical measures for the prevention and control of COVID-19 in Vietnam, Lan noted. The Ministry … [Read more...] about Vietnam to consider downgrading COVID-19 to flu-like status

The Vietnamese job market saw a plunge in recruitment demand in January-April, with hiring of foreigners and overseas Vietnamese tumbling 39 percent compared to the pre-pandemic level due to the global economic downturn, according to a report recently issued by Navigos Group, one of the leading recruitment companies in Vietnam. In addition, there was a significant drop of 63 percent in demand for hiring seasonal workers and individuals on short-term contracts. Similarly, the demand for recruiting new graduates also experienced a substantial decrease of 49 percent. Following the prevailing market fluctuations and economic downturn, there was a noticeable decline in labor recruitment demand for various positions including foreigners, overseas Vietnamese, seasonal workers, short-term contracts, new graduates, and mid-level and senior professionals, according to the Navigos Group report. Overall downtrend Navigos Group conducted the analysis using job posting data from its … [Read more...] about Vietnam sees steep decline in hiring of foreigners, overseas Vietnamese