Latest news with #populationpolicy
NHK
4 days ago
- Business
- NHK
Vietnam ends two-child policy to tackle falling birthrate
Vietnam has abolished its two-child policy, a long-standing regulation meant to keep a lid on population size. The change has been spurred by falling birth rates, a trend that has raised concerns about future economic growth. A state-run media report said the National Assembly had passed the amendments on Tuesday. The old ordinance limited families to no more than two children. Vietnam's population is still on the rise, but birth rates are declining in Ho Chi Minh City and other urban areas. Experts project the working population will peak around 2040. Policymakers are concerned an ageing society will put future economic growth at risk. A similar decline in birth rates is happening in other parts of Southeast Asia. Social empowerment of women is one reason that's often cited, along with the rising cost of raising children as economies develop.
Washington Post
6 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
Vietnam drops two-child policy amid demographic fears
Vietnam on Tuesday scrapped its nearly four-decade policy limiting families to two children, as Vietnamese birth rates continue to drop, the aging population increases and officials warn of long-term risks of demographic decline for the economy, defense and the fabric of society. The National Assembly removed a clause in the country's population ordinance that says parents should have 'one or two children' except in government-approved 'special cases,' state-run media reported.
South China Morning Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
South Korea offers cash for marriage to tackle birth-rate crisis
Published: 9:09am, 24 May 2025 As South Korea continues to grapple with plummeting birth rates and fears of regional depopulation, local governments are now expanding their efforts beyond childbirth subsidies to include cash incentives for marriage, covering everything from first dates to engagement and honeymoon expenses. While the urgency is clear, critics argue that these one-off financial incentives may do little to address the structural challenges behind delayed or declining marriage rates. In Busan's Saha district, local authorities have promised up to 20 million won (US$14,700) in payments to couples who marry after taking part in a matchmaking event organised by the district. Additional benefits include 500,000 won for dating expenses, 1 million won for engagement meeting costs and a 10 million won travel subsidy. 'This is one component of our population policy to counter the crisis of low birth rates and regional decline,' a district official said, adding that no couples had received the full payment yet. Other municipalities across the country are rolling out similar initiatives. In South Gyeongsang province's Geochang county, newlyweds aged 19 to 45 who live there for more than three months receive 600,000 won annually for three years.
South China Morning Post
24-05-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
South Korea offers up to US$29,000 cash for marriage to tackle birth-rate crisis
As South Korea continues to grapple with plummeting birth rates and fears of regional depopulation, local governments are now expanding their efforts beyond childbirth subsidies to include cash incentives for marriage, covering everything from first dates to engagement and honeymoon expenses. Advertisement While the urgency is clear, critics argue that these one-off financial incentives may do little to address the structural challenges behind delayed or declining marriage rates. In Busan's Saha district, local authorities have promised up to 20 million won (US$14,700) in payments to couples who marry after taking part in a matchmaking event organised by the district. Additional benefits include 500,000 won for dating expenses, 1 million won for engagement meeting costs and a 10 million won travel subsidy. 'This is one component of our population policy to counter the crisis of low birth rates and regional decline,' a district official said, adding that no couples had received the full payment yet. Advertisement Other municipalities across the country are rolling out similar initiatives. In South Gyeongsang province's Geochang county, newlyweds aged 19 to 45 who live there for more than three months receive 600,000 won annually for three years.
