1,4 triệu thanh niên Việt Nam rơi vào tình trạng '3 không' | VTV24

Key Concepts

• Thanh niên 30 (Youth 30): Vietnamese youth aged 15-24 who are neither employed, enrolled in education, nor participating in vocational training.
• Tỷ lệ thanh niên 30 (Youth 30 Rate): The percentage of youth aged 15-24 falling into the "Youth 30" category. Currently at 10.2% nationally.
• ILO (International Labour Organization): A United Nations agency dealing with labour issues. Projects a global "Youth 30" rate of around 20% in 2025, with approximately 262 million affected youth.
• Quyết định 622 (Decision 622): A Vietnamese government decision approving a national action program to implement the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Nghị định 338 (Decree 338): A Vietnamese government decree implementing programs to support job creation and employment development under the Labour Code 2025.
• Chương trình mục tiêu giảm nghèo (Targeted Poverty Reduction Program): A national program including components for vocational training and employment support.
• Chuyển đổi số (Digital Transformation): The integration of digital technology into all aspects of business and society, impacting the skills required in the labor market.

I. The Growing Issue of "Youth 30" in Vietnam

The final quarter of 2025 sees a significant number – 1.4 million – of Vietnamese youth aged 15-24 categorized as "Youth 30," meaning they are not employed, attending school, or undergoing vocational training. This figure, recently released by the General Statistics Office of the Ministry of Finance, represents 10.2% of the national youth population. The report highlights the case of Anh Hieu, a 20-year-old from Bac Ninh province, who, after completing a short training course, has been struggling to find a future direction for nearly a year. His story is representative of a broader trend where young people are hesitant to enter the workforce or pursue further education, lacking clear career guidance and information about the labor market.

Bac Ninh province, despite having numerous industrial zones and businesses actively seeking employees, experiences a situation where a substantial number of young people remain unemployed and unprepared for the job market. A key issue identified is a lack of necessary vocational skills and the inability to meet the requirements of available positions, which often demand specific degrees and competencies. Local employment service centers provide counseling on job opportunities, industries, and skill development through connections with vocational training institutions.

II. National and Global Context: Statistics and Trends

While the 1.4 million "Youth 30" figure is concerning, it’s important to contextualize it globally. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), the global average for this demographic is around 20%, with projections estimating 262 million youth worldwide will be in this situation in 2025. In 2023, one in four young people globally fell into this category. Vietnam’s rate, while approximately half the global average, is still considered a significant concern given the country’s economic development and current labor shortages.

The report notes a decrease of over 169,000 individuals compared to the second quarter of 2025, but an increase of over 124,000 compared to the same period last year, indicating a fluctuating but persistently high number. This situation represents a wasted resource and poses potential risks to social stability.

III. Root Causes and Contributing Factors

According to Mr. Ngo Xuan Lieu, Director of the National Centre for Employment Services under the Ministry of Home Affairs, understanding the underlying causes is crucial for developing effective solutions. He emphasizes that the 1.4 million figure is substantial and impacts socio-economic development, particularly in the context of existing labor shortages.

Several factors contribute to the "Youth 30" phenomenon:

• Limited Access to Information: Youth often lack access to relevant information about job opportunities and career paths.
• Lack of Confidence: A lack of self-assurance and proactive engagement hinders their ability to navigate the job market.
• Mental Health Concerns: Mental health issues can also contribute to disengagement from education and employment.
• Gender-Specific Challenges: Young women, particularly those starting families, may face interruptions in their education and careers due to maternity leave and childcare responsibilities.

This issue is recognized as a key indicator within the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and Vietnam has approved Decision 622 to implement a national action program aligned with these goals.

IV. Government Policies and Initiatives

The Vietnamese government is actively implementing a range of policies and initiatives to address the issue. These include:

• Decree 338: This government decree supports job creation and employment development under the Labour Code 2025.
• Targeted Poverty Reduction Program: This program includes components focused on vocational training and employment support.
• Development of Databases: The government is developing comprehensive databases to track the labor force, including youth, and provide targeted support.
• Active Labour Market Policies: The government is implementing proactive policies to develop the labor market and provide services to both employers and job seekers.

V. Key Solutions and a Collaborative Approach

Mr. Ngo Xuan Lieu identifies a crucial solution: proactive outreach by employment service centers and businesses to the "Youth 30" demographic. Instead of waiting for youth to seek assistance, these entities should actively engage with them through families and communities, providing career guidance and raising awareness about available opportunities. He stresses that work is essential for personal development and contributes to overall societal well-being.

A three-pronged approach is necessary:

• Government: Continue implementing programs focused on labor market development, vocational education, and career counseling.
• Individuals: Embrace lifelong learning and proactively acquire new skills to adapt to the changing demands of the labor market, particularly in the context of digital transformation.
• Businesses: Strengthen collaboration with educational institutions and the government to provide practical training and internships, bridging the gap between education and employment. Effective training must be closely linked to real-world job requirements.

VI. Conclusion

The situation of "Youth 30" in Vietnam is a complex issue with far-reaching implications. It’s not merely an individual or family problem but a systemic challenge requiring a coordinated response from education, businesses, and government policies. Investing in youth is paramount, as they represent the nation’s most valuable resource and are essential for ensuring Vietnam’s sustainable future. A collaborative and proactive approach, focused on skill development, access to information, and strong partnerships between stakeholders, is crucial to unlocking the potential of this generation and addressing this critical socio-economic challenge.