Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Mrs Khamxay Xeyyingyang (right) meets Mr Huethor Phialuang in Xaysomboun province.

Xaysomboun makes strides in labour and social welfare development

Xaysomboun province has made progress in carrying out its 2026 labour and social welfare development plan, with several targets achieved or exceeded.
The satisfactory progress was reported during a visit by Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Mrs Khamxay Xeyyingyang and her delegation to Xaysomboun province on October 15 to monitor progress, provide guidance, and strengthen the implementation of labour and social welfare programmes.
The delegation was welcomed by a member of the provincial Party Committee, Mr Heuthor Phialuang, and Head of the Xaysomboun Provincial Department of Labour and Social Welfare, together with department officials and other personnel.
Mrs Khamxay also met with a member of the provincial Party Standing Committee and Vice Chairwoman of the Provincial Administrative Committee responsible for cultural and social affairs, Ms Phetsamai Phoxayavong.
In employment and labour affairs, the province reported that it had exceeded its job placement targets. In policy implementation, budget allocations surpassed planned levels, while four cases were addressed under Decree No. 57/PM.
Provincial authorities also drafted subordinate legislation for its disaster fund, provided emergency assistance to affected residents, revised the responsibilities of the provincial department in line with the amended 2025 Law on Local Administration, and collected more than 1 billion kip in state revenue.
Despite these achievements, several challenges remain, including limited participation by businesses in vocational skills development, insufficient job opportunities compared with overseas employment, irregular labour migration, and delays in registering foreign workers.
Expanding social security coverage, particularly among businesses and voluntary contributors, is another priority. Mrs Khamxay said the province must also address overlapping cases and delays in implementing policies under Decree No. 57/PM.
She called on provincial officials to intensify efforts during the final three months of 2026 to ensure that development targets are achieved. She also urged the provincial department to coordinate closely with relevant ministry departments to establish consistent targets for 2027.
She emphasised the importance of expanding vocational training under the national agenda for rural development and poverty reduction, enabling people to acquire practical skills, establish sustainable livelihoods, and increase household incomes.
Employment and skills development are key priorities for the Lao government.
Nationally, a total of 119,382 people secured employment during the first nine months of 2026, including 103,610 people who went to work abroad.
These figures highlight the importance of strengthening domestic employment opportunities while ensuring that workers receive appropriate skills training and protection.
Measures are also being promoted to reserve certain occupations for local workers, particularly those related to cultural promotion, traditional knowledge, and small businesses requiring limited technology or capital.
Since 2024, the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare has also implemented pilot programmes to expand self-employment and employment opportunities in rural areas. These programmes provide vocational training for people from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds, as well as unemployed individuals interested in establishing their own businesses.

By Phetphoxay Sengpaseuth
 (Latest Update October 20, 2026)