The International Labour Organization (ILO) is supporting efforts of the Lao Social Security Office (LSSO) to expand social security coverage to rural areas of the Lao People's Democratic Republic.
The LSSO has limited presence outside the capital Vientiane and finds it challenging to encourage those living in the provinces to join the National Social Security Fund, a reluctance driven by limited understanding of long-term financial protection and deeply rooted traditional beliefs.
To help reach these rural populations, the LSSO is collaborating with the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, which has a wide presence across the country.
During late 2025, over 200 ministry officers based in district offices in 10 provinces were trained to carry out basic social security work.
The initiative was supported by the ILO-UNDESA project "Accelerating universal social protection for achieving the SDGs and ending poverty through strengthened governance and digital transformation".
The participants, who had previously not worked in the social security field, learned how to better communicate the benefits of social security to the public, register new members, and offer advice on making regular contribution payments and submitting claims.
The workshops introduced the officers to LSSO's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), helping them to adapt and apply the guidelines in their local contexts. They also provided a platform for district staff to exchange experiences, identify practical solutions and discuss new ways to strengthen coordination. Additionally, the sessions gathered bottom-up feedback on challenges faced at the local level.
"Broadening social security coverage is essential to ensure that all workers, including those in rural and informal settings, have access to reliable income protection. Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare district offices can play a critical role in this effort, as they are an important point of contact for communities outside the capital," said Loveleen De, Social Protection Programme Manager at the ILO.
The importance of the initiative is underscored by the Labour Force Survey 2022 and LSSO administrative data, which revealed that while informal workers account for 86 per cent of the labour force only 43,329 informal workers were voluntarily insured, representing just 2 per cent of the total labour force.
"Building trust is essential to encourage enrolment in the National Social Security Fund," said Chanthavixay Keopaseuth, LSSO Trainer. "This is why we are working with labour officers who can offer face-to-face support to the people."
Through the ILO-UNDESA project, the ILO has supported the Government of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Social Welfare, to plan, finance, coordinate and monitor the National Social Protection Strategy. The two-year project also supports the LSSO to strengthen the design and financing of the social security system and expand coverage.
