Barriers to accessing the social security of self-employed immigrant workers in Vietnamese metropolitan areas

This paper presents findings from a study of 501 self-employed immigrant workers in Vietnam’s two largest metropolitan areas, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. The study analyzes the accessibility and barriers these workers face in obtaining services from social security systems. This study investigated three main areas: 1) barriers to accessing jobs and current policies to support job creation; 2) barriers to obtaining social insurance, especially medical insurance, and accessing different forms of social insurance; and 3) barriers to accessing social assistance systems, especially policies related to income support for workers with job loss, reduced jobs or reduced income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The findings reveal significant limitations in access for self-employed migrant workers. Research has revealed various barriers that these workers faced in obtaining social security policies and programs, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. They include factors related to personal traits, such as limited knowledge and skills, unemployment, a secluded lifestyle, financial issues, and a lack of information. Additionally, other significant influential reasons stem from the implementation and support of agencies and organizations, the weak activities of the supportive government and nongovernment in social security, complicated procedures, and unhelpful authorities, which contribute to mistrust and dissatisfaction with the system. The study advocates enhancing job search assistance centers and authorities, developing effective communication channels, and improving the procedural process within authority institutions and social insurance organizations to better support these workers.