Vietnam reviews draft decree for 2026 Belief and Religion Law

Vietnamese officials are reviewing a draft decree designed to provide detailed implementation guidelines for the 2026 Law on Belief and Religion. The initiative aims to institutionalize Party guidelines regarding democracy and the protection of religious freedom while adapting to the country’s socio-economic conditions.

Key discussions led by Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Dinh Khang and Deputy Prime Minister Ho Quoc Dung focused on simplifying administrative procedures. Proposed changes include streamlining registration for foreign religious activities by allowing representatives to self-declare rather than requiring confirmation from foreign religious organizations.

The draft also addresses training standards and management authority at religious educational institutions. Additionally, the decree seeks to regulate religious activities in cyberspace and clarify management criteria for belief activities to ensure social order and security without relying on vague terms like “large crowds” or “contrary to local customs.”