Minister of Ethnic and Religious Affairs Nguyen Dinh Khang chaired a meeting in Hanoi on October 27 to review the draft decree detailing provisions and implementation measures under the Law on Belief and Religion.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister Nguyen Hai Trung and representatives of several departments and agencies under the Ministry of Ethnic and Religious Affairs.

Representatives of the Government Committee for Religious Affairs presented a report explaining how comments and recommendations from central ministries, government bodies and other agencies had been considered and incorporated into the draft.

Discussions focused on regulations governing education, administration and the issuance of diplomas and certificates at religious training institutions.

Participants also examined criteria for managing religious and belief-related activities conducted outside designated worship facilities, along with proposals to simplify registration procedures for foreigners wishing to participate in collective religious activities.

Several provisions require further clarification of their legal basis and practical enforceability, particularly those concerning the management of religious and belief-related activities that could pose risks to public security, order and safety.

After hearing participants' views, Khang instructed the drafting team to conduct a thorough review of the legislative drafting techniques used throughout the proposed decree and its accompanying explanatory documents.

He called for careful consideration of feedback from ministries and government agencies, emphasizing the need for precise wording and clearly defined legal terminology.

The minister also proposed examining whether additional responsibilities should be assigned to the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Home Affairs in providing professional guidance and training to local authorities.

Another priority is clarifying the professional autonomy of religious training institutions while ensuring that their activities remain consistent with the approval and authorization powers of religious organizations as stipulated by law.

Khang stressed that the explanatory report must be clear, consistent with existing policies and legislation, and reflect agreement among the relevant ministries and agencies.

He also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the proposed regulations can be implemented effectively in practice.

All outstanding issues must be carefully reviewed and the necessary documents finalized before being submitted to the Deputy Prime Minister for consideration, he said.

Hoang Quy