Many laws and legal regulations came into effect on the first day of the New Year.

 

- Restrictions on smoking at public places will be imposed on January 1. Accordingly, inspectors from ministries, sectors and people’s committees at all levels will supervise the enforcement of this sanction. Punitive levels include warnings and paying a fine of VND50,000-100,000.

 

- Individuals having incomes from securities businesses will have to pay personal income tax. Tax payers can take one of two options provided by the General Department of Taxation: Paying a tax rate of 20 percent based on net profit or 0.1 percent based on the transfer price.

 

- One year after benefiting from the Government’s investment stimulus policy, as of January 1, automobile buyers will have to pay a 10-15 percent higher tax rate than that of several days ago, as the value added tax on automobiles will return to the previous level of 10 percent instead of 5 percent as in 2009. Meanwhile, registration tax rates of 10-12 percent will be applied this year instead of 5-6 percent last year.

 

- As of January 1, 2010 the State will have to compensate victims for illegal acts committed by on-duty officers. The Law on State responsibility for damages stipulates that individuals and organisations suffering material damages or spiritual loss caused by on-duty officers relating to administration management, court rulings and prosecution are entitled to sue the State for damages. This is the first time Vietnam has clearly defined 11 illegal actions by on-duty officers that would require the State to compensate.

 

- Beginning from January 1, the health insurance level will be 4.5 percent of salary, pension, and disability payments. Students will pay 3 percent of their minimum wage. Those having health insurance such as officers, non-commissioned officers involved in the People’s Police Force, people credited with revolutionary service and children under six, will enjoy 100 percent of medical treatment fees.

 

- The fine imposed on administrative violations on land will increase 20 fold. The Government’s Decree 105 stipulates 17 specific violations. The minimum fine level will now be assessed at between VND200,000 and 500 million.

 

- Under Government Decree 103, online game sites must close between 22 pm- 8 am. Dancing halls and karaoke rooms at upmarket hotels can open after 12 pm but not longer than 2 am. Meanwhile, other karaoke sites are allowed to open until 12 pm.

(VOV)