As of April 30, 2020, there were more than 14.4 million people nationwide taking part in compulsory social security, a decrease of 421,000 people compared to March and 780,000 compared to 2019.

The number of compulsory social security card holders at local VSS agencies has declined dramatically compared to that of December. Some localities have witnessed significant decreases, like HCM City (down by 210,982 people), Binh Duong (reducing by 101,628 people), Ha Noi (down by 65,038), Da Nang (decreasing by 38,247) and Dong Nai (down by 46,924).

It is notable that in some localities, in spite of low numbers of social security participants in April compared to 2019, the figures have increased significantly, for example, Bac Giang (up by 4,156 people), Tay Ninh (increasing by 1,753 people) and Phu Tho (up by 1,640).

Addressing the conference, VSS deputy director general Tran Dinh Lieu said the Government had paid attention to ordering ministries, sectors, and especially the business sector to start production and business recovery and ensure stability.

The VSS needs to closely monitor the developments of the pandemic and business activities to implement social security policies. The VSS has worked with the Government Office, as well as the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to implement Decision No 15 which includes policy implementation on the national public service portal, ensuring the work meets the deadlines.

The Government has announced easing social distancing and domestic labourers have resumed their work. To fulfill assigned tasks, the VSS asked local social security agencies to work closely with local departments and post offices to step up relevant dissemination to organisations, enterprises and people.

The VSS agencies must send the results of social security and health insurance payments to employers and list participants who must pay insurance to collectors.

Localities have been asked to hold meetings to encourage local residents to voluntarily sign up for insurance in relevance with social distancing.

The VSS agencies must continue to review data provided by tax authorities to develop the list of participants and conduct specialised unscheduled inspections at units which delay or evade the payment (except for units asking for payment suspension due to the pandemic).

They must also address the suspension of social security payment to pension and survivor's benefits fund for those affected by the pandemic; urge enterprises to pay insurance to sickness, pregnancy funds, labour accident insurance, health insurance and unemployment insurance following regulations to ensure labourers’ benefits./.