On March 16, the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Council held its monthly “Citizens Ask – Government Answers” program, focusing on the topic: “Streamlining and reorganizing administrative structures – Improving service quality for residents and businesses.”

During the program, Ly Kim Anh, a voter from District 6, expressed strong support for the city’s efforts to streamline and reorganize administrative structures.

Emphasizing the importance of this policy in improving public service quality, she urged the city to quickly complete the restructuring process to ensure continuous and efficient public service delivery.

Ensuring seamless operations and retraining officials

Nguyen Bac Nam, Deputy Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Home Affairs, responded that the city had completed the restructuring of its administrative and professional agencies at all levels, from municipal to district levels, with the new system officially operational as of March 1.

He affirmed that administrative procedures are being handled smoothly, ensuring uninterrupted services for residents and businesses.

Currently, the city is drafting further plans in line with central government directives to continue restructuring some provinces and cities by eliminating district-level administrations and further consolidating commune-level administrations.

For those remaining in the public sector, the city is implementing measures to develop a modern civil service system that meets the demands of development and international integration.

Ho Chi Minh City is also rolling out a leadership and management training initiative and a specialized professional training program for the 2026–2030 period.

In 2025, the city government will conduct 55 training courses for approximately 32,000 civil servants to enhance service quality for residents and businesses. Agencies and units have been instructed to organize in-house training sessions and nominate staff for central and city-level training programs. These training courses prioritize officials taking on new roles or transitioning between departments.

Facilitating employment and business opportunities

Regarding support for surplus officials, Nam stated that the Department of Home Affairs had advised the city’s People’s Committee to continue implementing policies under Government Decree 178 and the city’s Resolution 01, which provide additional financial support for officials affected by restructuring.

In addition to financial support, Ho Chi Minh City is introducing measures to help surplus workers find new employment opportunities.

“The city is mobilizing state-owned enterprises to recruit surplus officials and employees, ensuring they can continue working. This also optimizes the city’s human resources,” Nam said.

For those interested in entrepreneurship or career changes, the city will facilitate access to preferential loan programs, provide guidance on business planning, and connect them with local business support funds.

Through its Employment Service Center, Ho Chi Minh City is also linking surplus workers with job opportunities in industrial zones, high-tech parks, and the private sector.

“The city will implement a comprehensive set of measures to support surplus officials who want to continue contributing,” Nam added.

Ho Chi Minh City’s government estimates that 7,159 officials, civil servants, and employees will be eligible for additional financial support. The estimated compensation for each early-retired official is over $105,000, bringing the city’s total support budget to nearly $665 million.

Tuan Kiet