Under the newly-adopted Elderly Law, Vietnamese citizens who are 60 years old and beyond are regarded as the elderly.

The NA Standing Committee suggested that the law be applied to Vietnamese citizens only. If old foreigners who are residing and working in Vietnam meet any difficulty, they can request for assistance from local administrations, social organisations and individuals. The law will be effective as of July 1, 2010.

Meanwhile, the Law on Medical Treatment allows medical officials and employees to establish private clinics and work overtime at these clinics which operate in line with the Unified Enterprise Law and the Cooperatives Law. The new law creates favourable conditions for medical workers to increase their professional skills and meet the people’s increasing demand for medical check-ups and treatment. It will take effect as of January 1, 2011.

The Telecommunications Law is applied to organisations and individuals who are engaged in telecom services. It does not rule out the participation of any organisations, including cooperatives, if these organisations meet the requirements of the Unified Enterprise Law. 

The law will come into force as of July 1, 2010.

The Law on Radio Frequency underlines the need to develop human resources and effectively use radio frequencies. It makes clear specific duties and rights of the Ministry of Information and Communications which is assigned to manage radio frequencies in Vietnam. The law will come into effect on July 1, 2010.    

The Law on Militia stipulates that both men (aged between 18-45) and women (between 18-40) are obliged to join militia during peacetime. This is to ensure the quality of the organisation and training services of militia, create human resources for the national defence force and supply additional sources to the local army if required. The law will be enacted on July 1, 2010.