The VGCL survey conducted in 10 provinces and cities between March and April 2025 reveals only 54.9% of respondents said their income was just enough to cover basic family expenses; 26.3% had to be extremely frugal; and 7.9% said their earnings were insufficient, forcing them to take on additional jobs. Alarmingly, many workers reported they had to borrow money to cover unexpected expenses.

Low wages are the main reason workers delay marriage. Up to 72.6% of unmarried respondents stated that their current income was not sufficient to ensure a stable life if they started a family, especially as the cost of living and raising children continues to rise. Even among married couples, financial pressures are causing hesitation about having children, with many citing soaring costs of education, healthcare, and childcare services. As a result, many couples chose to delay childbirth to maintain a minimum standard of living.

Beyond personal happiness and family planning, inadequate income also hinders workers’ ability to access healthcare services. The survey finds that 44.1% of workers could only afford basic medical treatment; 38% could only buy some essential medications; and 5.6% could not afford to seek treatment or buy medicine at all.

Given this situation, the VGCL emphasised that an urgent adjustment of the regional minimum wage is essential to help workers cope with their difficulties. Experts agree that raising wages is a crucial solution to improving workers’ quality of life.

According to Dr. Nguyen Huu Dung, former director of the Institute of Labour Science and Social Affairs, if the minimum wage can’t be raised in July 2025, it should be done by January 1, 2026, to allow time for businesses to prepare.

From 2014 to the present, Vietnam’s minimum wage has been adjusted several times, but the increases have not kept pace with rising living costs. As of now, the monthly minimum wage is VND 4.96 million in Region I; VND 4.41 million in Region II; VND 3.86 million in Region III; and VND 3.45 million in Region IV. Meanwhile, many workers continue to face daily struggles, highlighting the urgent need for support policies so that they can stabilise their lives, feel secure at work, and plan for their future families.

Vietnam lifts birth restrictions to address demographic challenges

VOV.VN - The Standing Committee of the National Assembly passed the revised Ordinance on Population on June 3, abolishing the regulation that limited each couple to having only one or two children.