A NEW LEGAL SAFEGUARD FOR PROTECTING EMPLOYEES’ SOCIAL AND HEALTH INSURANCE RIGHTS

In an effort to enforce stricter discipline and uphold the rule of law within the social security sector, the Ministry of Public Security has issued Official Dispatch No. 5659/BCA-CSKT, providing detailed guidance on the initiation of criminal proceedings for insurance-related offenses. This significant document formalizes the coordination process between the Social Security agency (under the Ministry of Finance) and the Police Investigation Agency, aiming to strictly penalize acts of fraud and the evasion of mandatory insurance contributions for employees, in accordance with the Penal Code. The issuance of these guidelines serves not only as a warning to non-compliant entities but also reaffirms the State's commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens.

Điểm mới đáng chú ý nhất trong hướng dẫn của Bộ Công an chính là việc cụ thể hóa các tiêu chí để truy cứu trách nhiệm hình sự đối với tội “Tội trốn đóng bảo hiểm xã hội, bảo hiểm y tế, bảo hiểm thất nghiệp cho người lao động” theo Điều 216 Bộ luật Hình sự 2015. Một đơn vị sử dụng lao động sẽ bị cơ quan Bảo hiểm xã hội kiến nghị khởi tố khi hành vi trốn đóng kéo dài từ 06 tháng trở lên, đồng thời thỏa mãn một trong hai dấu hiệu: số tiền trốn đóng từ 50 triệu đồng trở lên hoặc trốn đóng cho từ 10 người lao động trở lên. Đặc biệt, hồ sơ kiến nghị phải kèm theo quyết định xử phạt vi phạm hành chính trước đó về cùng hành vi này cho thấy sự kiên quyết trong việc xử lý những đơn vị cố tình chây trì, không tuân thủ pháp luật bảo hiểm.

In addition to addressing the issue of evaded contributions, the official dispatch provides detailed guidance on identifying fraudulent acts aimed at misappropriating insurance funds, as defined in Article 214 ("Crime of social insurance and unemployment insurance fraud") and Article 215 ("Crime of health insurance fraud") of the 2015 Criminal Code. Common violations include the fabrication of dossiers and falsification or distortion of documents, such as hospital discharge certificates, certificates of leave for social insurance benefits, or even the fabrication medical records, prescriptions, and the use of another person’s health insurance card to unlawfully claim insurance reimbursements. Pursuant to the law, where the misappropriated amount reaches VND 10 million or more, or where the conduct causes damage of VND 20 million or more, the competent authorities shall compile a case dossier and recommend the initiation of criminal proceedings. This regulatory framework places a clear obligation on both individuals and organizations to act honestly and transparently in the preparation, submission, and settlement of insurance benefit claims.

To ensure that violations are handled promptly and accurately, the Official Dispatch sets out a close inter-agency coordination mechanism among the Vietnam Social Security Authority, the Investigation Police Agencies, and the People’s Procuracy. Under this mechanism, the dossier recommending the initiation of criminal proceedings must be personally signed by the Director of the Social Security Authority and transferred to the competent Investigation Police Agency at the same administrative level. All documents evidencing violations must be standardized and properly authenticated, either in the form of certified copies bearing official seals (including affixed or overlapping seals) or electronic data duly converted in compliance with applicable legal regulations, so as to ensure the highest degree of legal validity. This coordinated approach ensures that all acts infringing upon employees’ lawful social security and health insurance rights are detected and addressed in a timely and effective manner.

This new guidance establishes a robust legal framework, providing employees with greater confidence and security when participating in the labour market, while simultaneously encouraging enterprises to properly fulfill their social responsibilities and uphold the rule of law. With clearly defined criteria and a well-structured inter-agency coordination mechanism among the Vietnam Social Security Authority, the Investigation Police Agencies, and the People’s Procuracy, the regulatory framework has become more transparent, consistent, and effective in practice. These measures not only gives employees greater confidence in their fundamental entitlements, such as pensions, maternity benefits, and access to medical examination and treatment, but also serves as a clear and timely reminder to enterprises of their obligation to strictly comply with mandatory insurance contribution requirements. Ultimately, a fair, transparent, and law-abiding labour environment constitutes an essential foundation for the sustainable and inclusive development of society as a whole.