One of the most closely watched measures elevates teachers’ pay across the public sector. Under a new law governing the profession, teachers are now placed at the top of the public administrative salary scale, a move authorities have framed as recognition of the role education plays in national development.

The law introduces higher allowances for educators working in preschools, remote and disadvantaged areas, ethnic minority regions and specialised institutions. 

Education officials said the incentives are intended to address staffing shortages and improve retention in regions that have long struggled to attract qualified teachers.

Vietnam has also tightened its grip on personal data, as a standalone data protection law took effect amid growing concern over privacy and digital security. The legislation grants individuals explicit rights over their personal information, including the right to refuse or withdraw consent for data processing and to seek legal redress if their data is misused.

Companies handling personal data will now face clearer legal obligations, aligning Vietnam more closely with international standards.

There were also changes to employment law. New provisions expand state support for job creation, reskilling and self-employment, particularly in technology-driven and green sectors.

In a significant development for migrant workers, all Vietnamese citizens working overseas under contracts will now be eligible for preferential loans , replacing a more limited system that excluded many low-income applicants.

Foreign policy

The legal overhaul also extends beyond domestic policy. 

A new law governing participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations establishes a permanent legal framework for Vietnam’s overseas deployments, covering both military and civilian personnel. 

At the same time, a revised juvenile justice law places greater emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment, expanding the use of community-based measures and educational programmes for minors in conflict with the law.

Perhaps the most strategic of the new statutes is a law dedicated to the digital technology industry, which aims to position Vietnam as a regional hub for semiconductors and artificial intelligence. The law introduces formal definitions and incentives for digital enterprises, marking a rare attempt to legislate an entire sector into existence.

Together with changes to budget rules, energy regulation, transport and industrial standards, the laws mark one of Vietnam’s most extensive legislative resets in years.

Under the new rules, WhatsApp group administrators must pay a licencing fee that varies based on the type and nature of the group. Fees start at $50 and can go as high as $2,500. According to Minister Mavetera, this initiative aligns with Zimbabwe's Data Protection Act (DPA), which defines personal information as any data that could directly or indirectly identify an individual.

“The time is ticking for organisations that collect first-party data, as you are required by law to have a data protection licence and the licence fees range from $50 to $2,500,” Mavetera stated .

The regulation extends beyond businesses to include community organisations, churches, and other entities that administer WhatsApp groups and collect members' phone numbers. These groups are now required to appoint a certified Data Protection Officer (DPO) responsible for ensuring compliance with data protection laws.

“Even churches who collect personal data ought to have such a licence and appoint a data protection officer (DPO). WhatsApp group admins are not spared either. If your groups are meant for business, you should also obtain a licence,” added Mavetera.

WhatsApp is a widely used platform in Zimbabwe, accounting for nearly 50% of all internet traffic and is used by approximately 5 million people —37% of the country's population. During the COVID-19 pandemic , misinformation about the virus circulated rapidly on WhatsApp, highlighting the platform's influence in Zimbabwe.

Mavetera emphasised that those who fail to comply with these licensing and data protection requirements will face penalties.