Vietnam grants amnesty to over 8,000 inmates, including 25 foreigners

The decision, which takes effect from May 1, follows a proposal by a consulting council on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the liberation of southern Vietnam and national reunification (April 30, 1975 – 2025).

Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen, Deputy Minister of Public Security, stated that among the 25 foreign inmates granted clemency, 21 are men and four are women, representing nine different nationalities.

Deputy Head of the Presidential Office Pham Thanh Ha said the amnesty process was carried out in a rigorous, transparent, fair, and accurate manner.

Both inmates currently serving prison sentences and those with suspended sentences were evaluated thoroughly to ensure that only those who met all legal conditions were considered for release.

Despite being granted amnesty, inmates must still comply with additional legal obligations, including restrictions on holding certain positions, financial penalties, restitution, and other civil responsibilities, as required by Vietnamese law.

Ha emphasized that Vietnam's criminal policy follows a dual approach of strict punishment combined with humanitarian leniency. 

The purpose of criminal sanctions is not only to penalize offenders but also to rehabilitate them into law-abiding and useful people, deterring them from repeating offenses and promoting respect for legal and social norms.

Amnesty also reflects the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and tolerance, as well as the state’s humane approach to those who have shown genuine efforts at rehabilitation.

All individuals granted clemency had been previously convicted by courts for violating criminal laws. 

The amnesty process did not involve any form of discrimination or favoritism—both Vietnamese and foreign nationals were evaluated equally under the law.

To support the reintegration of released prisoners, the government has tasked the Ministry of Public Security and provincial and municipal authorities with implementing measures to assist their return to the community.

Local Party units and administrations have been instructed not to discriminate against released individuals when applying social policies, including employment support, business loans, and poverty reduction programs.