Legal framework developers
The Ministry of Justice recently released a draft resolution proposal for the National Assembly, outlining special mechanisms and policies to significantly improve legal framework development.
The draft proposes a substantial increase in benefits for policy and legal professionals, at least threefold higher than current standards, commensurate with their job positions and areas of work.
State funding for strategic research, policy, and legal framework development will be no less than 0.5% of the annual state budget, and this will increase progressively as needed to refine the legal framework.
This funding will cover the development of legal documents and international treaties, strategic research on domestic and international legal frameworks, review and analysis of existing documents, training and development of high-quality professionals and expertise, and participation in international legal and policy development, as well as handling arising legal issues.
According to the draft, senior managers and administrators in legal and legal affairs roles at ministerial, departmental, and provincial levels; grassroots legal officials; and professionals working in international investment dispute prevention and resolution will receive a special allowance equivalent to 150% of their current salary grade, plus seniority allowances and leadership allowances (if applicable).
These professionals will also receive compensation and project funding for each specific policy and legal development task, exceeding existing allowances.
The draft also states that income from legal framework development work will be exempt from personal income tax and other financial obligations to the state.
The government will establish special mechanisms for working conditions, performance evaluations, incentives, and training programs to attract, retain, and utilize high-level professionals in legal framework development.
The Law Strategy and Legal Science Institute (Ministry of Justice) is proposed to become a national research center and leading ASEAN policy and law research hub. Candidates for research roles must have a master’s degree in law or higher and be proficient in at least one foreign language.
Staff at this institute will receive double their salary based on their current national salary scales, grades, and professional titles.
Additionally, the draft resolution proposes the establishment of a Legal and Policy Research Fund, funded by the state budget and operated without profit.
This fund will support strategic research and planning for legal framework development, enhance legal framework effectiveness, develop human resources, and utilize domestic and international experts for legal framework development.
The fund’s capital will be provided by the government based on the proposal. Contributions to the fund by individuals or organizations will be eligible for corresponding tax deductions from personal or corporate income tax.
Low Support Levels
An assessment by the Ministry of Justice reveals that existing legal professionals primarily rely on basic salaries and a standard service allowance (25% for central government employees). The limited compensation structure is deemed insufficient to meet the demands and labor exerted. Currently, there are approximately 40 positions with unique salary structures.
Only legal affairs professionals at ministerial and equivalent-level government offices receive a daily allowance of 60,000 VND, while those in provincial offices receive 40,000 VND.
The Ministry of Justice emphasizes the critical importance of comprehensive legal framework development. It highlights the need for significant reforms to transform bottlenecks into opportunities for investment and competitive advantages, and to strongly motivate development.
