HCMC to spend $41M on Tet gifts, citizen support

Huynh Le Nhu Trang, vice director of the HCMC Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, said VND915 billion will be spent from the city’s budget to provide cash and Tet gifts for those in difficult financial circumstances and those registered for special social security benefits, among others. Over 475,400 gifts are expected to be handed out, with each person receiving between VND1.3-3.1 million worth of support.

Over 135,300 workers, officials and government workers in the city will also receive Tet gifts worth VND1.8 million each from the city.

Besides resources from the city budget, labor unions will also spend over VND130 billion organizing Tet activities and providing gifts and cash for workers in dire monetary situations, prioritizing those who lost their jobs, and those had their working hours and salaries reduced, among others.

The HCMC Youth Union will also mobilize over VND15 billion to provide over 22,000 gifts for those in circumstances, as well as over 3,700 train tickets for students and workers returning to their hometowns.

The Lunar New Year is Vietnam's biggest holiday which often sees migrant workers return to their hometowns for family reunions.