Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs Dao Ngoc Dung answers deputies' questions (Photo: VNA)

The Minister agreed on long-term and wide-scale welfare packages following the previous three major support policies.

“Most State support policies have been enforced with some 60 trillion VND (2.6 billion USD) having been disbursed to 40 million people and half a million employers in an open and transparent manner. Based on the State policies, localities have issued follow-up policies to support individuals,” he said.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh talks to delegates. (Photo: Doan Tan/ VNA)

As 1.3 million workers from key economic areas have returned to their home provinces due to the pandemic, causing labor shortage in industrial zones, the Minister called for better incentives in terms of salary, welfare and income as well as comprehensive services including housing and kindergartens, especially vaccination.

Given scores of workers having left for their home provinces, 30% want to return to Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces, 30% want for job changes and the majority wishing to be employed on spot. To ensure social welfare, provinces should have job bonanzas, on spot employment and incentives for returnees as well as credit support policies for them to start a new life at home,” Mr. Dung said.

The Minister of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs said his Ministry has initiated policies to support more than 2,500 kids who lost their parents due to the pandemic. It will submit to the government a retirement salary amendment next month. Deputies continue asking the Minister questions on Thursday.