Job Discussion Forums

[Demonietto]

Can anyone share information about worker's comp laws here in Vietnam? My friend hurt himself at work, but he isn't insured. The hospital employee said that it's the law for the company to pay the bills since it happened at work. Thanks for any information!

[deadlift]

I'd say that without insurance he's on his own, regardless of what the law says.

Even if he could get the company to pay, they'd probably insist on choosing the healthcare provider.

Why anyone would go without insurance in a country like this is beyond me.

[Mushroom Druid]

I am quite sure this guy is on his own.

Did he have a work permit? Was he legally working?

Is there a police investigation to establish any negligence or fault?

Insurance?

You noted the "law."

That is not the way it works here.

With all due respect, the fact your posting and asking means this person who was unfortunately injured has no idea.

[spycatcher reincarnated]

Yes, it definitely sounds as if the employer is liable for this. This is a well known and established clause in the labour law, which also applies to foreigners.

Some info here, but the actual labour law is a lot more detailed. From memory it also covers employees on the way to and from work:

http://www.helplinelaw.com/article/vietnam/395

[spycatcher reincarnated]

The labour laws here and the actual implementation of them are very in favour of employees, whether they be local, foreigners or foreigners without work permits. Can often be more hassle than it is worth to stand up for your rights, but if you follow through the employee will nearly always win in the end.

[Prof.Gringo]

[I'm With Stupid]

Yeah, I've definitely read that the vast majority of people who sue their employers in Vietnam win. Whether that applies to foreigners, on the other hand, is another question. I don't even know how you'd go about it.