The Ministry of Home Affairs has addressed public discussion surrounding a proposal to combine the Hung Kings’ Commemoration holiday with the April 30 - May 1 holiday into a continuous nine-day break, confirming that no such plan is under consideration.

Speaking at a press briefing on April 3 regarding the Month of Action on Occupational Safety and Health and Workers’ Month 2026, Vu Trong Binh, Director General of the Department of Employment under the Ministry, clarified that the 2026 holiday schedule had already been finalized.

According to him, the holiday calendar was developed, consulted across ministries, sectors, trade unions and relevant agencies, and officially announced in October 2025.

“As of now, neither the Ministry of Home Affairs nor the Government has any intention to adjust or add to the 2026 holiday schedule,” Binh stated.

He noted that the official holiday framework applies to public sector employees, including civil servants and public workers. For businesses, leave arrangements are governed by the Labor Code and are subject to agreement between employers and employees.

In cases where both parties consent, companies may rearrange working days to extend holiday periods. However, such flexibility must still comply with regulations on working and rest time, including the requirement of at least four days off per month. Enterprises operating on a 40-hour workweek may have greater flexibility in this regard.

Employees wishing to extend their time off may also use annual leave, subject to employer approval, rather than relying on a uniform national schedule.

Under the current plan, the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day in 2026 falls on Sunday, April 26, with a compensatory day off on Monday, April 27, creating a three-day break from April 25 to 27.

Immediately following this, the April 30 - May 1 holiday falls on Thursday and Friday. For those not working Saturdays, this results in a four-day break through May 3.

As only two working days - April 28 and 29 - separate the two holidays, suggestions have emerged to swap working days and create a continuous nine-day holiday from April 25 to May 3.

Commenting on the idea, Bui Sy Loi, former Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly’s Committee on Social Affairs, acknowledged that public holidays help restore labor productivity and stimulate tourism. However, he cautioned against overly extended breaks in a developing economy.

He emphasized that any adjustment should be carefully considered and not applied broadly.

Vu Diep