A Global Lens: Comparing International and Vietnamese Laws on Work for Persons with Disabilities

This chapter offers a thorough comparative analysis of the legal frameworks governing the employment of persons with disabilities in both international and Vietnamese contexts. It examines critical international instruments, such as the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and ILO conventions, and juxtaposes these with relevant Vietnamese legislation. The analysis identifies critical gaps in Vietnamese law, particularly the reliance on a narrow, medical model of disability, the lack of clear definitions for essential concepts, and insufficient provisions for job retention and career advancement for persons with disabilities. Furthermore, the chapter addresses the challenges posed by stringent and inflexible employment incentive structures that limit the participation of small and medium-sized enterprises in hiring persons with disabilities. By proposing targeted legal reforms, the chapter aims to enhance Vietnam’s legal alignment with international standards, ultimately fostering more equitable and inclusive employment opportunities for persons with disabilities.