Work

Barriers to accessing the social security of self-employed immigrant workers in Vietnamese metropolitan areas

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: This paper presents findings from a study of 501 self-employed immigrant workers in Vietnam’s two largest metropolitan areas, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The study analyzes the accessibility and barriers these workers face in obtaining services from social security systems. This study investigated three main areas: 1) barriers to accessing jobs and current policies to support job creation; 2) barriers to obtaining social insurance, especially medical insurance, and accessing different forms of social insurance; and 3) barriers to accessing social assistance systems, especially policies related to income support for workers with job loss, reduced jobs or reduced income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal significant limitations in access for self-employed migrant workers. Research has revealed various barriers that these workers faced in obtaining social security policies and programs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They include factors related to personal traits, such as limited knowledge and skills, unemployment, a secluded lifestyle, financial issues, and a lack of information. Additionally, other significant influential reasons stem from the implementation and support of agencies and organizations, the weak activities of the supportive government and nongovernment in social security, complicated procedures, and unhelpful authorities, which contribute to mistrust and dissatisfaction with the system. The study advocates enhancing job search assistance centers and authorities, developing effective communication channels, and improving the procedural process within authority institutions and social insurance organizations to better support these workers.

Source: Multidisciplinary Science Journal

DOI: 10.31893/multiscience.2025480

Authors: Quyet Van Pham, Hue Van Pham, Lan Thi Thai Nguyen

Institution: VNU University of Social Sciences and Humanities

Language: English

Topic: Labor Law and Work Dynamics

Subfield: Political Science and International Relations

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Decent work and economic growth, Reduced inequalities, No poverty, Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: Đại học Quốc gia Hà Nội