Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Rising Costs Drive Workers from Ho Chi Minh City

1/22/2025

50 6

Summary

Story summary

In Ho Chi Minh City, soaring living costs are pushing migrant workers like Nguyen Thi Hiep to seek refuge in rural areas. Even with above-average wages, many find it hard to meet basic needs. This exodus has triggered a labor shortage in the city, as workers choose a better quality of life over urban employment.

1 of 1

Story summary

In Ho Chi Minh City, soaring living costs are pushing migrant workers like Nguyen Thi Hiep to seek refuge in rural areas. Even with above-average wages, many find it hard to meet basic needs. This exodus has triggered a labor shortage in the city, as workers choose a better quality of life over urban employment.