The Government Decree, released on July 21, clearly states that certificates shall not be granted to "forged" marriages: which are illegal marriages for purposes such as woman trafficking, sexual abuse or any other ill-conceived ideas, rather than for a wish to build a happy, united family based on equality and mutual respect.

Under the decree, within 20 days of the date of the receipt of marriage registration dossiers and fees, the Judicial Department must conduct a person-to-person interview with both applicants. The interview is designed to check whether the two applicants agree to the marriage of their own accord and how much they can communicate and understand each other's background.

The decree also gives instructions on procedures for cross-nationality marriage registration at foreign embassies in Vietnam or other agencies for foreign affairs, as well as for application to adopt Vietnamese children.