The Ministry of Home Affairs is seeking feedback from other ministries and agencies on a proposal to adjust the work schedule for a longer New Year break in 2026. The plan is designed to give public employees and workers more time to rest over the holiday.

According to the 2019 Labor Code, employees are entitled to one day off for the Gregorian New Year, on January 1 each year. While the official 2026 holiday calendar approved by the Prime Minister has already addressed Lunar New Year (Tet), April 30 – May 1, and National Day (September 2), it has yet to mention New Year’s Day.

In response, the Ministry has proposed a schedule swap: moving the Friday workday on January 2, 2026, to Saturday, January 10, 2026. This would allow employees to take Friday off and return to work the following Monday.

If the plan is approved, civil servants and public employees would enjoy a continuous four-day holiday for New Year 2026, from Thursday, January 1 to Sunday, January 4.

The Ministry stated that the aim is to encourage employers to adopt similar arrangements for private sector workers, ensuring they benefit from equivalent holiday time while complying with labor laws. Employers are also encouraged to negotiate better terms with employees where possible.

Under the 2019 Labor Code, employees who work during holidays are entitled to overtime pay of at least 300% of their standard wage. If the work is performed at night, the rate rises to 390%.

Earlier, the government had approved a nine-day break for Lunar New Year (Tet) 2026, comprising five days of official holiday and four regular weekend days. Public employees will be off from Saturday, February 14, 2026 (27th of the 12th lunar month, Year of the Snake) to Sunday, February 22, 2026 (6th day of the lunar new year, Year of the Horse).

Vu Diep