Laos and the Hague Convention

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Source: cia.gov.

Laos is not party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoptions of children from non-Hague countries are processed in accordance with 8 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 204.3 as it relates to orphans as defined under the [https://www.uscis.gov/laws-and-policy/legislation/immigration-and-nationality-act Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 101(b)(1)(F)].

In February 2012, the Office of the Government of Laos suspended the ability of foreigners, including foreigners of Lao heritage, to adopt Lao children until appropriate intercountry adoption regulations and procedures are established. The suspension remains in effect. The information below about adoptions in Laos pertains to what was in place PRIOR to the suspension. It is not clear when Laos may lift their suspension or what the requirements may be if Laos does so.

The current Family Law of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic does not contain provisions for foreigners to adopt Lao children. There are no government agencies with clear authority and responsibility for orphans.

The Department of State is providing the following information for general reference but strongly cautions U.S. prospective adoptive parents against taking any steps to initiate an intercountry adoption from Laos.

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