Companies in Ho Chi Minh City are desperately seeking workers, but the job supply does not meet demand. In the first six months of 2026, companies needed to hire nearly 30,000 people, but only 23,000 were looking for work.
The job market in Ho Chi Minh City is experiencing a paradox: companies are posting thousands of job offers, but many workers, especially young people, either cannot find jobs or reject positions that do not meet their expectations. According to data from the city's Employment Service Centre, in the first half of 2026, companies needed to hire nearly 30,000 workers, while just over 23,000 people were actively seeking employment.
Factories with "Urgent Recruitment" Signs
In industrial areas such as Tan Thuan, Tan Binh, or Vinh Loc, "urgent recruitment" signs have become commonplace. Sectors such as textiles, footwear, electronics, and logistics account for the highest demand. PouYuen Vietnam Co., Ltd., for example, has tried to hire over 4,000 workers since January, but has been unsuccessful despite not requiring experience or prior training.
The president of the PouYuen union, Cu Phat Nghiep, explains that the company offers stable income, Christmas bonuses, 24/7 accident insurance, childcare subsidies, and transportation. "The hiring results are still not as expected," he laments.
The situation is repeated in neighbouring industrial parks such as VSIP, My Phuoc, or Bau Bang. There is also strong demand for personnel in both traditional and new industries, such as precision mechanics or high-tech logistics. Many companies need hundreds of workers, but the number of applicants is very low.
Change in Mindset: Young People Prefer Digital Platforms
The president of the Ho Chi Minh City Food and Beverage Association (FFA), Ly Kim Chi, points out that the problem is not with orders or salaries, but rather a change in workers' mindset. "The industrial production environment is no longer attractive, especially for the younger generation, who are opting for jobs on digital platforms like delivery or ride-sharing, as they offer greater schedule flexibility," she states.
"The industrial production environment is no longer attractive, especially for the younger generation, who are opting for jobs on digital platforms"
Statistics show a huge gap in various sectors. For example, the real estate sector needs nearly 600 workers but received only two applications; the services, restaurant, and retail sector requires 750 people and only 40 applied; the machinery and manufacturing sector is looking for 4,400 workers and only 1,900 registered. The construction, infrastructure, and transport sector offers very high salaries and excellent benefits, yet still fails to attract candidates.
This labour shortage intensifies competition among companies to retain talent. Many have adjusted salaries, improved working conditions, and expanded benefits, but the trend is not reversing.
What Does This Paradox Mean for the Job Market?
For employers, the lack of workers is a brake on production and expansion. For workers, especially young people, the offer of flexible jobs on digital platforms has become a real alternative to factory work. The key will be whether companies can adapt their conditions to attract a generation that values flexibility more than a fixed salary.
Looking ahead, the Ho Chi Minh City Employment Service Centre predicts that the demand for workers will remain high in the second half of 2026, while the job supply will not grow at the same pace. Companies that do not adapt to new job preferences may face chronic hiring problems.
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