Discussions on the management of cross-border freelance workers between Hua Phan province and Son La province.

During the meeting, leaders of the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Son La province informed the delegation from Hua Phan province about the results of the implementation of labor, war invalids and social affairs work in Son La province in 2023; and the situation of cross-border labor migration between Vietnam and Laos. Currently, as of the reporting date, the labor force aged 15 and above in the province is 760,070 people, accounting for 59.1% of the province's average population. The labor force breakdown by sector is as follows: agriculture, forestry, and fisheries is 62.99%; industry and construction is 18.39%; and trade, services, and tourism is 18.71%. According to statistics on the number of people entering and exiting the country, to date, the total number of Vietnamese workers who have emigrated to Laos is 2,615, while the number who have entered Vietnam is 2,293. The total number of Lao workers who emigrated to Vietnam was 1,155, while the number who re-entered Laos was 1,380.

Speaking at the meeting, the leader of the Department of Labor and Social Welfare of Hua Phan province informed that the province currently has nearly 85,500 workers, with 80,407 employed; of which, 49.4% work in agriculture, 21.3% in industry, 9.3% in services, 5% are unemployed, and 481 are foreign workers, including 140 women.

During the meeting, the two sides discussed and exchanged experiences in organizing and implementing professional activities; inspection, supervision, and management of labor migration across borders; and dissemination of legal documents and regulations on labor and social welfare. They also exchanged experiences on social insurance from the perspective of the state, businesses, and workers to ensure stable livelihoods for laborers. The two units also approved a memorandum of agreement.

The Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Son La province presented gifts.

for the delegation from the Department of Labor and Social Welfare of Hua Phan province.

In the coming period, both sides will continue to strengthen coordination in managing migrant labor in the border areas between Vietnam and Laos, and Laos and Vietnam. This includes disseminating laws on immigration and emigration, cooperation agreements, and cross-border labor management cooperation; regularly updating the implementation of cross-border cooperation agreements to serve propaganda and management work in accordance with the actual situation. In addition, the Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs of Son La province will continue to promote job creation programs, improve the quality of human resources, and proactively monitor the situation of workers in its jurisdiction who are working in Laos to coordinate with relevant agencies to provide support and protection for citizens in accordance with regulations.

Quoc Tuan