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Many education experts have come out in opposition to a recent draft decree by the Ministry of Interior placing stricter foreign language requirements on deputy ministers, saying it is impractical.

The draft regulations propose that any nominated deputy minister must be fluent in English, Russian, French, German or Chinese having achieved at least the level of C2, among other qualifications. This would require deputy ministers to be able to speak one of these languages as well as a native speaker.

If the deputy minister is not fluent in one of the above-mentioned languages, he or she would have to be able to speak one of the minority languages, such as Lao or Khmer.

Heads or deputy heads of ministry's directorate, departments and offices have similar requirements, but with lower standards.

Dr. Ngo Tu Lap, from Vietnam National University – Hanoi's International School

Dr. Ngo Tu Lap, from Vietnam National University – Hanoi's International School, said, “I think this regulation is unrealistic and too rigid, and may take away reputation opportunities for competent and professional people to serve their country simply over an arbitrary language requirement.”

Lap commented that it is necessary to improve the foreign language skills of state officials and among all state employees, but the requirement for deputy ministries is unproductive. He said that the requirements should also take into account other abilities, such as leadership and scope of vision, and raise the bar too high for language.

“I wonder if it's realistic to train deputies to the level of C2. It’s really impossible to achieve that level in one or two years of study. Many teachers in our high schools education and universities have yet to reach that level, so it just doesn't seem rational to require deputy ministers to achieve that level, especially when an interpreter could be used,” he noted.

He added that, if the regulation were to take effect next March, it would not give those involved enough time to prepare and that it might work if deputy ministers were given five years to meet the standards after taking their posts.

Le Quoc Hanh, head of Hanoi Education University’s Training Faculty

Le Quoc Hanh, head of Hanoi Education University’s Training Faculty, agreed, saying, "In my opinion, this kind of requirement has the potential of excluding talented and dedicated people from the job."

Jacques Gilles Souliere, Director of GLN English Centre, said, “It’s really impractical to require deputy ministers to achieve the level of C2 in a foreign language. The time it would take would make it nearly impossible."

Jacques Gilles Souliere

He also pointed out that the requirement could unfairly exclude those who do not have a natural aptitude for language, those who are older or who are have not been provided with an excellent educational environment, while those who have had the opportunity to study overseas would be at a great advantage.