Foreign labor has long been a significant resource for Vietnam’s socioeconomic development, especially in Hanoi. However, if not properly managed, waves of immigration could impact social welfare and public order.

Today, The Hanoi Times’ Words on the Street, will explore this issue.

For several months, residents in Tu Lien Ward, Tay Ho District, have grown accustomed to seeing African immigrants walking through the streets, looking for work to survive in challenging times.

Among them, a few have found labor-intensive jobs, such as carrying loads at plant nurseries or washing dishes at restaurants. Due to language barriers, they rely on mobile apps for communication.

To local residents, the African immigrants are friendly and kind-hearted. They willingly help with heavy tasks in exchange for support in the form of food, medicine, or money when needed.

These foreigners come from countries like Somalia, Congo, Nigeria, and Ghana. Most of them left home under difficult circumstances due to diseases, wars, and economic downturns. They see Vietnam as a lifeline, hoping to become English teachers here.

However, building a new life in a foreign land is never easy, especially amid today’s global economic recession.

Several challenges, both objective and subjective, contribute to their difficulties in Hanoi. First, they are not native English speakers from countries like the US, the UK, or Australia, which complicates their job search. The collapse of certain English centers, coupled with the current economic hardships, has also shrunk Hanoi’s English teaching market.

Secondly, many of these immigrants came to Vietnam independently, not through official recruitment agencies. So, when their brokers disappeared, they had no contacts or support networks. Lacking formal support or guarantees, few people feel comfortable assisting them.

Vietnam, particularly since the Doi moi (Reform) period, has become a popular destination for foreigners seeking work. Why is the country such an attractive option for international laborers?

Vietnam’s economy has been growing rapidly, even amid a global slowdown, which creates more job opportunities. Furthermore, the cost of living in Vietnam is much lower than in other countries, enabling foreign workers to save more at similar income levels.

Vietnam’s drive for global integration has heightened the demand for skilled foreign workers who have the language skills and expertise needed in education and other sectors.

Vietnamese society has a unique capacity for cultural absorption and blending. With a welcoming, friendly reputation, Vietnam allows foreigners to integrate more smoothly than in other countries.

In the past, Hanoi, and Vietnam in general, were havens for foreigners. Starting in the early 2000s, when Vietnamese football turned professional, hundreds of African and South American players arrived for trials. Only a small number managed to secure professional contracts with local teams.

Around 2009-2010, I remember assisting a group of Nigerian footballers who were staying at a hotel where I worked as a receptionist. They stayed for a few weeks, trying to secure contracts. What became of them, whether they stayed in Vietnam or returned home, remains unknown.

There was also a trend of "Western backpackers" who traveled through Vietnam, eventually settling down and teaching English. Or in more recent years, cases of foreign beggars appeared in major cities like Hanoi, Danang, and Ho Chi Minh City.

Clearly, the presence of an African community in Hanoi, while not yet posing significant issues, signals a need for timely action from local and city authorities. Hanoi should carefully select foreign labor sources to ensure they contribute positively to the capital and the country.

Moving forward, Hanoi and local authorities should show more concern for these workers, as this reflects our city’s commitment to international relations. Providing care and support for the African community in Tu Lien would enhance Hanoi’s reputation on the global stage.

By supporting these African workers, we can help them feel more secure and psychologically stable, fostering a greater sense of belonging. Once they feel secure, they will likely contribute more to the city's development.

Officials should also reach out to embassies to establish sustainable, effective solutions, not only for African labor but for all foreign workers in similar situations in the future.

Vietnam itself is making efforts to send workers abroad to seek employment, improve incomes, and promote the country's image. However, Vietnamese workers must undergo rigorous training to ensure quality before working abroad.

And most importantly, they must be connected to licensed agencies under agreements between the Vietnamese government and host countries. This approach guarantees the legitimacy of Vietnamese labor abroad and protects their rights should unforeseen issues arise.