The Government of Vietnam has informed the U.S. Embassy in Hanoi that it will promulgate a new decree on international adoption in April 2002, possibly as early as April 1. At that time it is likely that there will be a suspension of international adoption of indeterminate duration.

Among other changes, the new decree will:

• Create a central office for foreign adoption that will replace the provincial offices currently administering the adoption process;
• Require that children be placed for foreign adoption from the central office instead of from the community level; and,
• Require foreign adoption agencies, which must be recognized in their own country, to renew their Vietnamese licenses annually.

In light of the uncertainties facing international adoption in Vietnam with the implementation of the new regulations, especially the likelihood of an indefinite suspension, American citizens who have not already done so are strongly urged not to enter into an agreement with an adoption service provider to adopt in Vietnam at this time. The Department of State will work with the Government of Vietnam to clarify the situation and will provide updates as new information becomes available.

Go to INS Ho Chi Minh City Notice

Go to Vietnam Adoption Information

Go to International Adoption Page