The Government Office announced the decision on 2/10, which applies to officials, public servants, and employees in businesses.

This decision means that a previous proposal by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) for a longer holiday was not adopted. MOHA had suggested that public servants take monday, 23/11, off and make up the work on saturday, 28/11. If approved, this would have created a 4-day continuous holiday from 21/11 to 24/11, combining two weekend days, one swapped day, and the public holiday. However, public servants will work as usual on 23/11.

MOHA had argued that a continuous holiday would enable people to participate in cultural, family, and community activities, local events, and simultaneously boost tourism and services. However, the ministry also noted that the end of november is a crucial period for agencies and units to finalize their annual work programs and plans. Businesses also accelerate production, deliveries, complete business plans, and prepare for the next year.

Therefore, maintaining a single day off helps preserve the pace of year-end work, stabilizes production and business, especially for companies operating on shifts, orders, seasonally, or continuously.

Vietnam Culture Day is a one-day holiday on 24/11. *Graphic: Ta Lu*.

The Politburo selected 24/11 as Vietnam Culture Day, linking it to the first National Culture Conference in 1946, chaired by President Ho Chi Minh. This designated day off aims to enable people to participate in and enjoy cultural activities, encourage artists to create, and promote a cultured, civilized lifestyle.

During its april session, the National Assembly decided that 24/11 would be observed annually as Vietnam Culture Day, granting workers a paid day off. This marks the first year this holiday is implemented.

In early september, the Government proposed adding 24/11 to the Labor Code, increasing the total number of paid annual public and Tet holidays stipulated in the code from 11 to 12 days. The draft law is expected to be reviewed and approved by the National Assembly during its october session.

Including Vietnam Culture Day, workers will have 12 paid public and Tet holidays annually, comprising: New Year's Day (1 day), Lunar New Year (5 days), Hung Kings' Commemoration Day (1 day), 30/4 (1 day), 1/5 (1 day), National Day (2 days), and Vietnam Culture Day (1 day).

Hong Chieu