The National Assembly discussed key issues in amending the Social Insurance Law

During the plenary session, National Assembly delegates generally appreciated the drafting agency's incorporation and revision of the draft Law, while focusing on commenting on many issues directly related to the rights and benefits of participants, the management and investment of the social insurance (SI) fund, expanding coverage, and improving implementation efficiency.

Protecting workers' benefits and expanding social insurance coverage

One of the issues that many delegates were concerned about was expanding the scope of compulsory SI participation, especially for workers in digital platforms, those without formal employment relationships, and part-time workers in villages and residential areas.

Delegate Le Huu Tri (Khanh Hoa Province) supported the policy of expanding SI coverage, but argued that it is necessary to clearly define the target groups, contribution basis, payment methods, and responsibilities of relevant parties. For workers on digital platforms, a thorough assessment of the impact and a suitable roadmap are needed. Sharing a cautious stance on the implementation method, Delegate Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap Province) suggested that for the immediate future, efforts should focus on effectively executing policies for the groups already regulated, while continuing to study new target groups. Delegate Nguyen Tien Nam (Hue City) assessed that postponing the immediate expansion of compulsory SI obligations to digital platform workers is appropriate given that data infrastructure and collection mechanisms remain incomplete.

Regarding part-time workers in villages and residential areas, Delegate Thach Phuoc Binh (Vinh Long Province) proposed clearly defining the scope of these target groups, including corresponding positions in residential community units with different names. Notably, he emphasized the need to transparently differentiate SI contribution responsibilities among individuals, employers, and the state budget, while also researching appropriate support mechanisms for individuals with low allowances. Delegate Tran Dinh Gia (Ha Tinh Province) expressed agreement with this recommendation, emphasizing the requirement to guarantee resources so that the policy can be substantively deployed.

Regarding protecting workers' benefits, Delegate Nguyen Văn Huy (Hung Yen Province) proposed adding a mechanism to recognize and protect the rights of workers who have actually worked and had their salaries deducted for SI contributions, but whose employers delayed or evaded payments. According to the delegate, it is essential to clearly define the responsibilities for remedying consequences, prosecution and compensation, thereby preventing employees from bearing the impact of employer violations.

Perfecting Pension Policies and Social Insurance Regimes

The regulations regarding convalescence and health recovery after illness or maternity leave also received numerous recommendations. Delegates: Ly Anh Thu (An Giang Province), Ly Huong (Lao Cai Province), and Nguyen Thi Thuy Lam (Dong Thap Province) collectively requested clarification on the principles for deciding the number of leave days, ensuring it is based on the health status and recovery needs of the workers. In cases where a business entity lacks a trade union organization, a mechanism must be established to ensure objectivity, considering the workers’ opinions and the employer's accountability.

Regarding pension policy, delegate Nguyen Thi Uyen Trang (Dong Thap province) proposed expanding the eligibility for making a one-time SI contribution—covering the remaining period required to qualify for a pension—to include individuals with a reduced capacity for work. She also requested clarification on when the provision setting the minimum pension level equal to the reference level will take effect. Delegate Pham Hung Thang (Ninh Binh Province) also requested clarification on the scope of application for the minimum pension floor, including studying transitional regulations for individuals who retired before the amended Law takes effect.

Notably, the social pension allowance policy was mentioned by many delegates with a view toward expanding access opportunities for the elderly. Delegates: Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi (Vinh Long Province), Nguyen Thi Thuy Lam (Dong Thap Province), and Pham Van Hoa (Dong Thap Province) proposed lowering the age requirement for receiving social pension allowances from 75 to 70 years old, with a roadmap compatible with budget balancing capabilities. Delegate Nguyen Thi Yen Nhi further proposed considering the removal of the condition that elderly individuals must not be receiving a monthly pension or SI allowance when determining beneficiaries, aiming to increase the inclusiveness of social security policies.

Strengthening Fund Management, Investment, and Implementation Accountability

The management and investment of the SI fund was a topic group that drew much debate. Delegates basically agreed on the requirement to combine capital preservation and safety with improving investment efficiency, transparency, and accountability. However, many opinions suggested that tight risk control mechanisms must be in place when expanding the investment portfolio, particularly regarding limits on capital concentration, monitoring and handling mechanisms when deposit-receiving institutions no longer meet safety criteria.

Delegates Duong Khac Mai (Lam Dong Province), Nguyen Van Huy (Hung Yen Province), Nguyen Tien Nam (Hue City), and Vu Van Tien (Hai Phong City) emphasized the need to diversify risks, ensure the fund's long-term solvency, and publicly disclose investment efficiency. Delegate Pham Hung Thang (Ninh Binh Province) proposed clearly defining the scope and timeframe for appraising investment plans, while also separating responsibilities and authority between relevant agencies to ensure that control procedures do not cause delays in investment decisions.

In addition, Delegates Nguyen Thi Thuy Lam (Dong Thap Province) and Ha Anh Thu (Quang Ngai Province) requested continued clarification on the composition and responsibilities of the Social Security Board of Management and the primary state management unit for SI, ensuring a clear division of duties and effective coordination among agencies. Delegate Duong Khac Mai also noted that the responsibility of local authorities in growing the number of SI participants must be tied to coordination, data provision mechanisms and the guarantee of implementation resources.

Regarding administrative reform and digital transformation, Delegate Nguyen Van Huy proposed maintaining payment methods suitable for the elderly, disabled individuals, and those who have not yet had the conditions to access banking services, ensuring that digital transformation does not become a barrier to enjoying policy benefits. Delegate Nguyen Tien Nam also emphasized the requirement to ensure that people in disadvantaged areas enjoy convenient access to social security services. Meanwhile, Delegate Ly Anh Thu requested clear regulations on the time limit and procedures for changing the form and place of receiving monthly pensions and SI benefits. Delegate Tran Thị Minh Tam (Quang Trị Province) proposed studying a more specific compensation mechanism when social security offices delay processing or paying benefits, causing damage to beneficiaries.

The discussions demonstrated an underlying requirement throughout the process of amending the Social Insurance Law is to continue perfecting policies toward expanding coverage and protecting the legitimate rights of participants and beneficiaries, while simultaneously enhancing the efficiency of fund management and utilization, as well as the accountability of implementing agencies. These are also contents that need to study and integrate to ensure that the regulations, once issued, are consistent, feasible, and better meet social security demands in the new situation./.