Early Retirement Among Officials in Vietnam to Promote Administrative Reforms

To improve administrative efficiency, many leaders in Vietnam’s central and Central Highlands regions are choosing to retire early. This intentional move aids in reorganizing structures and gives way for new leaders to emerge.

Recent data from central provinces indicate an increasing number of officials opting for early retirement as part of administrative advancements.

For example, Nguyen Van Thanh, a Party Committee member and head of the Department of Science and Technology in Quang Ngai, resigned five years ahead of his retirement age. His resignation was approved by the local Party Committee, acknowledging it as a constructive move toward efficient restructuring.

In January 2025, the Quang Ngai People’s Committee granted early retirement to 48 officials, including six department heads.

In Binh Dinh, Nguyen Gio, Director of the Organization Committee, also stepped down at the close of 2024, contributing to the optimization of administrative frameworks.

Quang Nam saw similar retirements, with Alang Mai from the Provincial Committee for Ethnic Minority Affairs, and Tran Uc, the Chairman of Dien Ban Town, choosing to retire early.

In Dak Nong, officials like Luu Hong Van and Phan Huu Ty also voluntarily left their positions to assist in merging organizational units.

Vu Tien Lu, the Secretary of the Dak Glong District Party Committee, praised these actions as selfless moves that open pathways for younger leaders and structural improvements.

In Dak Lak, several senior officials, including Pham Van Phuoc and Nguyen Van Nghiem, have sought early retirement. Nghiem, who boasts over 40 years of service, mentioned, “I chose to retire early to support organizational changes, a decision based on personal conviction and regulatory adherence.”

Others in Dak Lak are also considering early retirement, with their applications awaiting Provincial Standing Committee approvals.

Vu Thi Thanh Hue, who heads the Culture and Information Department in Krong Ana District, opted to retire, even when eligible for re-election, stating a desire to enable the emergence of younger talent.

Dinh Xuan Toan, Editor-in-Chief of the Dak Lak Newspaper, also retired three years prematurely, facilitating the merging of broadcast and publishing sectors in the province.

The government is advancing its administrative reforms by instituting supportive policies for early retirees, as delineated in Decree 178/2024/ND-CP, which takes effect on January 1, 2025.

Officials retiring early and with less than five years until their official end date will receive severance pay equivalent to one month’s salary for each month retired. Those resigning between five to ten years early are entitled to 0.9 months’ salary per month, capped at 60 months.

In addition to a one-time payment, retirees retain their full pension benefits without penalties.

Individuals with over five years until retirement can receive an extra four months’ salary for each year retired early. Those with 2 to 5 years remaining will receive five months’ salary for each year. Long-term contributors to social insurance may also be eligible for service awards.

Exceptional public service contributors will be honored with awards, including counts for early retirement periods when determining commendation eligibility.

This trend of early retirement is an effective response to ongoing administrative restructuring, showcasing the dedication of senior officials to foster institutional reforms and nurture forthcoming leadership.