Vietnam proposes an extra public holiday and earlier annual holiday announcements

Vietnam is considering adding another paid public holiday and requiring the government to publish holiday schedules earlier each year.

Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Cao Huy told the National Assembly Standing Committee on Sept. 4 that a draft amendment would set a deadline of Sept. 30 for announcing the following year’s public holidays and Tet breaks. The schedule would follow the prime minister’s decisions, with the minister of home affairs responsible for issuing the specific dates.

The proposed deadline is intended to help officials, workers, residents and businesses prepare their programs and plans. It would also avoid the difficulties caused by announcing holiday dates close to the breaks, Cao said.

The draft would also incorporate a decision to designate Nov. 24 as Vietnamese Culture Day. Workers would receive the day off with full pay. The measure follows Politburo Resolution 80 and a resolution adopted by the National Assembly at its first session.

The stated purpose of the new holiday is to give people greater access to cultural activities, encourage artists’ creativity and promote a cultured, civilized way of life. The related resolution also calls for free or reduced admission fees at public cultural and sports facilities on Vietnamese Culture Day, subject to decisions by competent authorities, and encourages people, particularly young people and children, to take part in cultural activities.