Loosening Restrictions:sayonara, Two-Child Policy in Vietnam! 👋
Reduction in birth rates observed in Vietnam: Authorities eliminate two-child limit policy
Get ready for family expansion in Vietnam as the government decides to scrap the decades-old two-child policy, according to state media reports. This change is a strategic move to counterbalance the nation's declining birth rate. Originally, the policy imposed a limit of two kids per family way back in 1988. Now, the decision-making power will fall into the hands of each couple. 👫🤍👨👧👦
Vietnam has experienced a drastic drop in birth rates in the past three years. This problem reached an alarming low of 1.91 children per woman in 2023, plunging below the bare minimum needed to maintain the population. Just a few years earlier, the birth rate was 2.11 children in 2021 and 2.01 in 2022 [1][2]. This downward trend is most prominent in affluent regions and bustling cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, where the cost of living continues to surge.
At the beginning of this year, Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Thi Lien Huong highlighted the challenges of persuading families to expand their families, despite political changes and promotional campaigns. The minister stressed that this dwindling birth rate poses a threat to the long-term socio-economic advancement of the aging population and the looming labor scarcity [1].
Vietnam is also grappling with an ongoing gender imbalance issue due to traditional preferences for boys in the society. As a result, revealing a baby's gender before birth and sex-selective abortions have been outlawed. Cozying up to heavy penalties, clinics breaking this law can face fines of around $3,800 (€3,340), with the government proposing to triple the current fine [2].
Sources:
[1] ntv.de
[2] AFP
💡 Insight:- Vietnam is crafting its first-ever Population Law, which will address demographic challenges through a modern legislative framework [1].- In addition to revising population policies, Vietnam is investing in sectors like healthcare, education, insurance, and housing to capitalize on economic opportunities created by demographic trends [1].- Addressing the challenges related to the declining birth rate necessitates increased support for families and women, including policy enhancements for childcare and encouraging workforce participation for women [2].
- The community policy conversation in Vietnam has expanded to include the modification of the decades-old employment policy, with the scrapping of the two-child policy being a part of this.
- As science and technology continue to evolve, workplace-wellness, health-and-wellness, fitness-and-exercise, therapies-and-treatments, and nutrition are anticipated to play significant roles in the revised employment policies.
- With the impending implementation of the new employment policies, the government is aiming to create a more conducive environment for families, focusing on policy-and-legislation that encourages work-life balance, including family-friendly leave policies and childcare support.
- As a part of the policy revision, medicare is expected to see key reforms to ensure comprehensive coverage for all citizens, addressing concerns related to the aging population and labor scarcity.
- In light of the ongoing migration issues and war-and-conflicts, Vietnam's new employment policies are anticipated to include measures to address the unique challenges faced by displaced workers, promoting inclusion and equal opportunities for all.
- Amidst political uncertainties and general-news headlines, the revised employment policies are seen as a step towards social and economic progress, with policies and legislation that cater to the evolving needs of the workforce.
