During the 2020-2024 period, Son La sent 1,114 workers abroad under contract to markets such as Japan, Taiwan (China), and the Republic of Korea. Most worked in agriculture and construction, earning an average monthly income of 25-35 million VND (956-1,338 USD). In 2025 alone, more than 240 workers from the province went abroad for employment.

Muong Khieng commune is one of the localities with a high number of workers working overseas. According to Lo Van Dinh, Vice Chairman of the commune People’s Committee, the commune has actively coordinated with relevant agencies and enterprises to provide direct consultation and job orientation sessions in hamlets. Currently, 29 local residents are working abroad, including 17 in Japan, two in Taiwan (China), nine in Russia, and one in China. Overseas employment has helped many households escape poverty, repair homes, invest in production, and support their children’s education.

The family of Lo Van Pan and Ca Thi Hoi in Lot Man hamlet, Muong Khieng commune, has two children working in Japan. Under the Government’s support programme, each was able to borrow 120 million VND from the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies. After language training, the daughter-in-law departed in March 2025, followed by the son in July 2025. Their incomes range from 30-40 million VND per month each, sending home around 40 million VND monthly. The family has repaid its bank loans, built a house, purchased household items, supported their grandchildren’s schooling, and saved money for future business after the contracts end.

The province currently has about 805,000 people aged 15 and above, including 771,000 of working age. The rate of trained labourers stands at 63%, with 28% holding degrees or certificates. To address employment challenges, on October 14, 2025, the provincial People’s Committee issued Plan No. 2553 on sending workers abroad for the 2025-2030 period. The plan aims to send 5,000 workers overseas under contract during this period. It ensures that 100% of workers receive foreign language training, career orientation, and legal consultation before departure; all communes and wards have residents working abroad; and at least 70% of returning workers secure stable jobs or create their own employment locally.

Implementing Plan No. 2553, Muong Khieng commune has intensified communication efforts, compiled lists of interested workers, coordinated vocational training and language courses, and provided pre-departure skills training. In 2026, the commune aims to send 48 workers abroad, ensuring all participants receive full legal and orientation training before departure.

Similarly, Chieng La commune has issued a resolution to promote overseas labour activities for the 2025-2030 period, targeting 80 workers abroad to meet 100% of the provincial quota. The commune plans to cooperate with labour export companies to provide consultation in each hamlet, review young labour sources, facilitate access to preferential loans, and strengthen monitoring before, during, and after overseas employment.

The family of Lo Thi Xoan in Bo Ma hamlet, Chieng La commune, has a child working in Japan at a seafood sorting facility. After a trial month earning 15 million VND, the salary increased to over 20 million VND per month, with 7-8 million VND remitted home monthly. The family hopes for continued state support for vocational training after the contract ends so the worker can return to Japan for higher-paying employment.

Meanwhile, the family of Lo Van Dinh in Bo Ma hamlet is considering overseas employment for their son, who recently completed military service. They hope for state assistance with language and vocational training in information technology or high-tech agriculture before seeking work in Japan.

The overseas labour support programme not only provides stable employment and income for workers but also contributes to sustainable poverty reduction and socio-economic development in the locality.