Effective as of October 15, the new decree, which is considered an important stride in improving Vietnam social security system, is expected to protect lawful rights and interests of individuals, groups of individuals and communities.

As defined in Decree 110, social work means activities in support of individuals, families, groups of individuals and communities to solve social issues, contributing to ensuring social security, protecting human rights and building a fair and equitable society.

The new regulation specifies target beneficiaries of social work, including individuals, families, groups of individuals and communities that need social work services. These services are designed to support the prevention, intervention, therapy, rehabilitation and development of vulnerable entities.

Under the Decree, to promote social work, organizations and individuals, including also non-governmental organizations and sole proprietorships, are encouraged to invest in, and develop social work service establishments. Meanwhile, the State will be in charge of developing the system of public establishments providing social work services. These social work service establishments will assist those in need of social protection and care in overcoming difficulties, integrating into the community and developing themselves.

Noticeably, the Decree clarifies six prohibited acts in social work activities to ensure their transparency.

Specifically, social workers are banned from providing, disclosing or destroying personal information of persons in need of protection without the latter’s consent. They may not refuse to provide services to those in need of urgent protection, except force majeure events.

In addition, they are not allowed to abuse the provision of social work services for self-seeking purpose or for violation of law, or take advantage of their professions for seeking personal gain from the State's policies or from the assistance of organizations and individuals.

At the same time, it is prohibited to earn profits other than the remuneration and expenses agreed upon in social work service provision contracts, or use professions to infringe upon the interests of the State, and lawful rights and interests of organizations and individuals.

Expected Outcomes from Enhanced Social Security Services

Reduction in Poverty and Inequality: A comprehensive social security policy has the potential to drastically reduce poverty and social inequality. By guaranteeing income support during periods of unemployment, sickness, or retirement, individuals can maintain a basic standard of living even when they face unexpected challenges. This fosters a more equitable society, where all individuals have the opportunity to thrive, regardless of their socio-economic background.

Improved Economic Stability: A well-functioning social security system can help stabilize the economy by providing automatic stabilizers during economic downturns. During times of recession, increased unemployment benefits and other assistance can support consumer spending and demand, helping the economy recover more quickly.

Better Quality of Life for Citizens: An outstanding social security policy will improve the overall quality of life by enabling individuals to meet their basic needs without constant worry about financial ruin. With access to healthcare, pensions, and unemployment benefits, citizens can focus on personal growth, education, and contributing productively to society.

A More Productive Workforce: Knowing that there is a safety net in place gives workers the confidence to take risks, innovate, and contribute to the economy without fear of financial ruin if they face setbacks. A well-designed policy can also encourage individuals to retire with dignity, knowing that they will have the support they need throughout their old age.

While the potential benefits of a well-executed social security policy are clear, several challenges must be addressed in its implementation. These include:

Resource Allocation: Ensuring that the system is well-funded without overburdening taxpayers or government resources is a complex balancing act.

Political Will: The establishment of an effective social security policy requires strong political commitment and bipartisan support, as it often requires significant reforms and long-term investments.

Changing Demographics: With an aging population in many countries, ensuring that the system can accommodate a growing number of elderly individuals, while also providing for other groups, presents a significant challenge.

The development of an outstanding social security policy can significantly enhance social security services, reduce inequality, and contribute to the economic and social well-being of the population. By focusing on universal coverage, inclusivity, sustainability, quality healthcare, and digital innovation, countries can create a social security framework that adapts to the needs of their citizens. Ultimately, such policies not only secure the livelihoods of individuals but also contribute to a more equitable, stable, and prosperous society.