According to the resolution passed by the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council on the afternoon of 28/8, the highest support level of 10.4 million VND applies to officials with a position allowance of 0.9 or higher; 8 million VND for those with allowances from 0.7 to less than 0.9; and 4.8 million VND for those with allowances below 0.7, no allowance, or contract workers.

This policy applies to officials of Party agencies, socio-political organizations, public service units, and several central agencies located in Ho Chi Minh City.

Officials from Binh Duong province travel to Ho Chi Minh City for work. Photo: An Phuong. *Italicized*

Support will be provided from 1/7 until officials are allocated public housing or at the latest until 30/6/2027. According to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee (UBND), after the merger, over 1,400 individuals require public housing, while the existing supply is insufficient, and new construction requires significant time.

Ho Chi Minh City's housing allowance for officials is higher than in some other localities after the merger. Real estate market surveys show that the average rental price for apartments in Ho Chi Minh City is around 12 million VND per month. Studio apartments range from 5 to 12 million VND, while in formerly suburban districts like District 12, Binh Tan, and Tan Phu, prices range from 4 to 10 million VND. Mini apartments also range from 5 to 7 million VND per month. Additionally, there are rooms for rent and entire houses, with prices varying by location.

In addition to housing support, the Ho Chi Minh City People's Council also approved a policy allowing officials, public employees, and workers who resign after the restructuring to borrow up to 300 million VND from the Social Policy Bank with an interest rate of 6.6% per year, for a term of up to 10 years. In the first year, 575 individuals are expected to borrow, with a total capital of over 172 billion VND.

The Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee assesses that these policies aim to stabilize the organizational structure after the merger, ensuring smooth operation and helping officials and employees feel secure in their work and quickly settle into their lives.

Le Tuyet