No, child labor under 14 is illegal in Vietnam under the 2019 Labor Code and the 2021 Decree 140/2020/ND-CP. Exceptions exist only for light work in family businesses with strict Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA) oversight. Violations risk fines up to VND 500 million or criminal liability under the 2015 Penal Code.
Key Regulations for Child Labor Under 14 in Vietnam
- Absolute Prohibition: Article 143 of the 2019 Labor Code bans employment for children under 14, with no exceptions for hazardous or non-hazardous work.
- Family Business Loophole: Decree 140 permits light work for under-14s in family-run enterprises, but only if tasks do not interfere with schooling or health. MOLISA must pre-approve such arrangements.
- 2026 Compliance Shifts: Vietnam’s 2026 labor law revisions align with ILO Convention 138, tightening enforcement via digitalized child labor registries managed by provincial Departments of Labor.
Enforcement targets sectors with historical child labor issues, such as brick kilns and informal garment workshops. MOLISA’s 2023 inspection reports flagged 187 underage workers in Hanoi’s craft villages, prompting targeted crackdowns. Employers violating these rules face administrative penalties or prosecution under Article 297 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes forced child labor.