Vietnam passes population law with childbearing incentives

HANOI, Dec. 10 (Xinhua/APP): Vietnam’s National Assembly has passed a new population law introducing measures to encourage childbirth and maintain a replacement-level fertility rate, local daily Tuoi Tre reported Wednesday.

Under the new law, women will be entitled to seven months of maternity leave for their second child, one month longer than the current policy. Fathers will be granted 10 working days of paternity leave.

The legislation also stipulates financial support for women who have two children before the age of 35, and gives households with two or more biological children priority in accessing social housing for purchase or rent.

The law is scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.