The Lam Dong People's Council approved this policy on 16/7. It applies to personnel from the former Binh Thuan and Dak Nong provinces. Each official will receive a one-time payment of 10 million VND upon assuming their new role, along with a 2 million VND monthly travel allowance and 3 million VND for housing.

Lam Vien Square in Xuan Huong ward - Da Lat. Photo: Giang Le

Officials assigned to commune-level positions will receive similar support, except for those working in the former administrative centers of Da Lat, Phan Thiet, and Gia Nghia.

Phan The Hanh, Director of the Lam Dong Department of Finance, explained that the travel allowance is based on intercity bus fares (approximately 250,000 VND per trip) due to the lack of established bus routes. The 3 million VND housing allowance reflects rental costs in the former Da Lat city area.

The total estimated cost of this policy is over 68.6 billion VND, with over 47.1 billion VND allocated for 2025 and the remainder for 2026.

Following the merger, Lam Dong province now covers over 24,233 km2, making it the largest province in the country. It has a population of over 3.8 million people and comprises 124 commune-level administrative units. Over 1,800 officials and employees have been relocated to the new administrative center.

Truong Ha - Khanh Huong