Da Nang sets requirements for experts, talents in free trade zone

The draft decision by the Da Nang People's Committee identifies five groups eligible for the policy: experts, scientists, talented professionals, managers and highly skilled workers.

It also sets criteria for access to incentives including personal income tax, visas and temporary residence cards.

Under the draft, experts must hold at least a bachelor's degree and have at least two years of work experience relevant to their position in the Da Nang Free Trade Zone.

For experts in finance, science, technology, innovation, digital transformation and other priority sectors, the experience requirement could be reduced to one year.

For scientists, the draft sets several criteria, including holding a recognized academic title or doctoral degree; having studied or worked in OECD countries, which include 38 mostly developed economies; or participating in research projects or working at reputable universities and research institutions.

Scientists must also have a recognized and protected invention or be the lead author of at least one scientific paper published in a reputable journal.

Talented professionals would be identified based on internationally recognized awards in economics, science or specialized fields, or awards and medals from prestigious global scientific competitions. 

In exceptional cases, talented individuals who have not won such awards could be considered and approved by the chairman of the Da Nang People's Committee.

Managers are defined as individuals who manage businesses under the Law on Enterprises, as well as heads or deputy heads of agencies and organizations as defined by law.

Highly skilled workers, meanwhile, must meet at least one of several conditions. They must have at least three years of specialized training in a field on the list of priority sectors and at least five years of relevant experience.

Alternatively, they may have at least 10 years of relevant experience in a priority field, or hold a professional title or certification recognized by international professional associations for skilled workers.