On the afternoon of 3/12, the National Assembly passed the Emergency Law. The law defines a state of emergency as a social condition occurring in one or more localities, or nationwide, due to a disaster, the risk of a disaster, or a situation posing a serious threat to life, property, national defense, security, and social order.

There are three categories of emergencies: disaster-related; those concerning national security, social order, and safety; and national defense emergencies. The National Assembly Standing Committee decides on the declaration or revocation of such a state, with the President issuing the order for declaration or revocation based on the corresponding resolution.

During a national security, social order, and safety emergency, measures include: enhanced protection for critical agencies and key leaders; safeguarding radio and television stations, post offices, news agencies, diplomatic missions; and securing defense facilities, military zones, airports, and detention centers.

National Assembly delegates voted to approve the draft law on the afternoon of 3/12. Photo: Hoang Phong

The prime minister is empowered to establish special propaganda task forces and special patrol teams; set up guard posts and inspect documents, items, and luggage of passersby. The prime minister also decides on the use of force, weapons, and support tools as per legal regulations to prevent individuals from bypassing checkpoints or resisting forces on duty; and to temporarily detain or freeze related assets when there is a risk of harm to security and order.

Beyond statutory powers, the prime minister may decide to implement measures not yet specified by law to respond to a state of emergency; or apply measures outlined in this law even if a state of emergency has not been declared, when truly necessary for national interest, public life, and health, after obtaining approval from competent authorities. The prime minister may delegate authority to provincial People's Committee chairpersons to decide on measures within their jurisdiction in urgent cases.

In its explanatory report, the National Assembly Standing Committee noted a suggestion to add provisions for post-disaster reconstruction. The Standing Committee concluded that existing regulations on damage statistics, and the mobilization and allocation of resources from emergency relief to production recovery, already encompass this content and have been adjusted for consistency.

The Emergency Law will take effect from 1/7/2026.

Son Ha