About 1.6 million Vietnamese young people are outside employment, education and training, which means they make up 11.2 % of the country’s youth population. Understanding why this happens is important for anyone planning a career in Vietnam.

Minister of Home Affairs Nguyen Tien Hai said the National Statistics Office recorded unemployment of 9.07 % among 15‑ to 24‑year‑olds in the third quarter of 2026, more than four times the national rate of 2.22 %. This sharp gap highlights how many young people struggle to find jobs even as the overall economy remains relatively stable.

He explained that shortcomings in the mix and quality of training programmes, together with a mismatch between what schools teach and what employers need, are key reasons for the large NEET figure. When training does not match labour‑market demand, young people find it harder to move into stable work.

Some young people lack experience and skills or are not proactive and persistent in seeking work, according to the minister. Others simply rely on family support instead of looking for employment or further education.

Even with 1.6 million youths classified as NEET, the 11.2 % share is still below the global average of over 20 % and the Southeast Asian average of over 16 %. Reducing the gaps in training, skill development and family reliance is therefore essential to keep Vietnam’s youth potential fully engaged.