Vietnam Expands Parental Leave: Seven Months for Second-Time Mothers
Published on 07/26/2026 at 16:04 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
Vietnam’s government published detailed implementation rules on July 26, 2026, for a sweeping overhaul of parental leave benefits tied to the birth of a second child. The announcement clarifies the practical steps employers and workers must take, building on adjusted legal frameworks that came into effect at the start of the month. Policymakers describe the changes as a cornerstone of the country’s national population strategy, aimed at easing the financial and logistical pressures on growing families.
Longer Leave for Mothers and Fathers
Under the new rules, female employees who give birth to a second child are entitled to seven months of maternity leave. The extended duration applies only if the mother already has at least one living child at the time of delivery. By granting more time than standard leave periods, lawmakers say they are recognizing the heightened demands of expanding a household.
Fathers also gain clearer entitlements. When a second child is born, male employees receive ten working days of paternity leave. The provision is designed to let partners offer direct support during the immediate post-birth period.
Full Pay and a Lump-Sum Bonus
Financial protections during leave are spelled out in detail to prevent income shocks. Maternity allowance is set at 100 percent of the worker’s average salary over the six months before leave begins. That ensures families maintain their living standards while away from work.
Beyond the salary replacement, the regulation adds a one-time cash benefit. This lump sum equals twice the current reference rate set by the government. Both payments flow through the state social insurance system, provided the employee meets eligibility conditions.
Legal Basis and Employer Duties
The changes rest on Article 14, Section a, Number 1 of the Population Law 2025, together with Decree 168/2026/ND-CP. These documents define the entitlements that have been in force since July 1, 2026.
Employers carry the administrative burden. Companies must submit leave requests and related benefit claims to the relevant social insurance office. The application forms vary by insurance status:
- Workers with active coverage use Form 01B-HSB.
- Employees whose insurance is suspended must file Form 14-HSB.
The release of these detailed procedures aims to smooth the rollout inside Vietnamese businesses and give insured workers legal certainty. Social insurance authorities have been instructed to process applications under the new forms without delay.
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