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Vietnam, Finland seal MoU on labour migration cooperation

Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung and Minister for Employment from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Arto Olavi Satonen signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour migration cooperation as part of their talks in Hanoi on January 13.

Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung (R) and Minister for Employment from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Arto Olavi Satonen sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour migration cooperation as part of their talks in Hanoi on January 13. (Photo: Vietnamplus)

The five-year MOU establishes a partnership on labour migration within the respective jurisdictions of both parties, adhering to their current laws, procedures, and resources, while respecting international norms and standards. Sustainable and mutually beneficial cooperation serves as the cornerstone to promote the transparent, ethical, and sustainable deployment of experts, skilled workers, and seasonal labourers from Vietnam to Finland, preventing exploitation and abuse and ensuring compliance with the legal frameworks of both nations.

Vietnam - Finland Cooperation

Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour migration cooperation between Viet Nam and Finland (Photo: Vietnamplus)

During the talks, Dung commended the positive outcomes of Vietnam-Finland cooperation thus far and informed the Finnish minister on Vietnam’s expanding labour force abroad. Over the past few years, Vietnam has sent approximately 160,000 workers to work overseas on an annual basis. Currently, around 700,000 Vietnamese workers are employed across more than 30 sectors in 40 countries and territories.

He said Vietnamese workers are recognised for their youth, diligence, and intelligence, gaining increasing trust from international employers, including those in Finland.

He added that since late 2023, his ministry has approved applications from three Vietnamese service enterprises to supply 134 workers (including 65 women) to the European nation. So far, 55 of them have begun employment in Finland, earning a stable monthly income of 1,500-2,000 EUR with favourable working conditions and social benefits.

Minister of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung (Photo: Vietnamplus)

For his part, Satonen expressed his wish to strengthen bilateral cooperation to connect international businesses and experts. Finland pledged to support employers and professionals, ensuring smooth and successful recruitment processes. “Finland is keen to strengthen our cooperation to help international businesses and professionals connect. We are committed to supporting employers and professionals to ensure they have the conditions for successful recruitment. Maintaining ethical standards and smooth recruitment processes remain our top priorities. Finland continues to be a reliable partner in international recruitment, while offering a high quality of life and diverse career opportunities.”

Minister for Employment from the Finnish Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment Arto Olavi Satonen (Photo: Vietnamplus)

Laura Lindeman, Senior Director, Head of Work in Finland at Business Finland, shared optimism about attracting Vietnamese workers to the European country. Work in Finland is making efforts to build bridges and enhance partnerships in Vietnam through initiatives that connect Finnish cities and companies with local partners.”Work in Finland strives to build bridges and strengthen cooperation in Vietnam with initiatives to connect Finnish cities and companies with local partners. Finland is an egalitarian and innovative society, known for its work-life balance. Our leading companies provide many development opportunities for talented people to grow professionally and knowledge-wise”.

Minister of Employment, Ministry of Economic Affairs and Employment of Finland Arto Olavi Satonen led a delegation to visit Vietnam from January 13 to 15, 2025 and attended many events in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, aiming to promote the Finland-Vietnam relationship. The visit opened up extensive cooperation directions and career opportunities in Finland for Vietnamese workers in fields such as technology, industry and healthcare. Minister Satonen was accompanied by the Mayor of Helsinki and leaders of corporations, businesses and service organizations in the labor market./.

Source: Vietnamplus.