Vietnam: Lawmakers want child adoption fees hiked
Vietnam: Lawmakers want child adoption fees hiked
From Vietnews:
Speaking during a debate in the National Assembly Wednesday, they said besides paying the fees for adoption, foreigners should also defray the cost of filing for adoption and verifying the background of adoptees, besides paying a donation to the orphanage or welfare center.
They did not suggest a specific sum but said merely that Vietnam should apply the same fees other countries like China, Thailand, India, and South Korea do — of US$4,000-7,000 for an adoption.
The money would be used to improve conditions at orphanages and other relevant agencies, they said.
Most agreed but several expressed concern this could lead to trafficking.
Nguyen Thi Kim Thuy of Da Nang said the fee schedule must be included in the adoption laws rather than being decided by the government.
Vietnamese regulations require couples looking to adopt to be from a nation that has signed an agreement with Vietnam or to have worked or studied in Vietnam for at least six months.
The current adoption fee is VND3 million (US$158).