New opportunities for individuals completing their prison sentences

When the Prime Minister issued Decision No. 22/2023/QĐ-TTg on August 17, 2023 regarding credit policies for individuals who have completed their prison sentences, VBSP Cao Bang Provincial Branch promptly implement it. The bank closely collaborated with the police and entrusted mass organizations at all levels to select eligible individuals and ensure the timely disbursement of support funds.

Colonel Vu Hong Quang - Director of the Cao Bang Provincial Police (third from the right), members of VBSP and the Cao Bang Provincial Police presented Tet gifts to loan recipients who have completed their prison sentences

After more than a year of implementation, the credit program for individuals completing their prison sentences has become a significant driving force, offering many former offenders the chance to rebuild their lives. This policy not only helps them overcome social barriers but it also supports them in stabilizing their lives, reintegrating into the community and contributing to socio-economic development while maintaining local security and order.

A notable example is Mr. Chu Phuong Thao, a resident of Area 3, Pac Mieu Town, Bao Lam District (Cao Bang). After serving his sentence, Mr. Thao took a loan of VND 100 million from VBSP Bao Lam District to develop his family economy. With this funding, he and his wife opened a beverage shop and later expanded into a budget-friendly restaurant. Today, his family has a stable source of income.

As of December 31, 2024, VBSP Bao Lam District had disbursed VND 400 million, consisting of VND 200 million from central government funds and VND 200 million from the district's local budget. The outstanding loan balance reached VND 400 million with four active borrowers, achieving 100% of the assigned target.

The outstanding loan balance for individuals completing their prison sentences in Cao Bang province has reached VND 4.57 billion with 52 active borrowers. Of this, VND 2.92 billion has come from central government funds for 35 active borrowers and VND 1.65 billion from local funding for 17 active borrowers. These figures demonstrate the policy's effectiveness in meeting credit demands and providing opportunities for former offenders to reintegrate into society.

Decision No. 22 is not only just a financial solution but it also reflects the humanitarian and compassionate policies of the Party and the State. The policy has raised awareness and accountability among government and related organizations in supporting those who have completed their sentences to reintegrate into the community. This effort significantly reduces the risk of recidivism and helps maintain local security and order.

Credit funds provide not only economic support but also restore confidence and reduce societal stigma for former offenders. Loan recipients have demonstrated a strong sense of responsible fund uses and interest payment. Moreover, they have proactively created additional jobs, increased their income and stabilized their lives.

The credit program under Decision No. 22 has played an important key for former offenders reintegrate into the community, enabling them to overcome societal barriers and prejudices. This policy has garnered widespread support and praise from Party committees, local authorities and the community, affirming its effectiveness in aiding individuals to reintegrate into society successfully.

Trong Nghia