Policy-based credit helps former offenders reintegrate into the community.

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The Anh Son branch of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) is a unit that has effectively implemented the credit policy for individuals who have completed their prison sentences, in accordance with Decision No. 22/2023/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister. As of March 31, 2026, the Anh Son branch of the VBSP had provided loans to 60 individuals who had completed their prison sentences, totaling VND 5.485 billion.

Among them, the example of Mr. Nguyen Cong D. (residing in Long Son 7 village, Yen Xuan commune) is noteworthy. With the attention of the local government, entrusted organizations, and especially the support from the Social Policy Bank, he was able to borrow 100 million VND from the loan program for those who have completed their prison sentences. This capital helped his family plant and renovate 5 hectares of acacia trees and supplement their income by driving a truck, leading to a stable life.

Also in Yen Xuan commune, in 2024, Mr. Tran Van D. borrowed 100 million VND from the loan program for people who have completed their prison sentences. He used the money to plant and renovate 10 hectares of acacia trees and to raise fish, pigs, and chickens. Initially, the acacia plantation developed well, and the livestock produced products for sale. Thanks to this, his family's life has stabilized, and he plans to continue expanding production and developing his economy.

Along with Anh Son, other notable branches include Yen Thanh with outstanding loans of 4.225 billion VND and 49 borrowers; Dien Chau with outstanding loans of 4.071 billion VND and 45 borrowers; Hoang Mai with outstanding loans of 4.066 billion VND and 44 borrowers; and Thanh Chuong with outstanding loans of 3.928 billion VND and 43 borrowers…

Notably, coordination between the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) and police forces at all levels has been strengthened through the signing of a cooperation program for the period 2024–2028. 100% of transaction offices have signed agreements with commune-level police, thereby ensuring that the review and verification of eligible borrowers are carried out rigorously and transparently. This is considered a key factor in ensuring that credit policies reach the right people with the right needs. The province also pays attention to allocating local budget funds entrusted to the VBSP. As of December 31, 2025, this fund reached over 8.3 billion VND, contributing alongside central government funds to meet the borrowing needs of those who have completed their prison sentences in the province.

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During the 2023-2025 period, the program's total capital requirement was VND 44.253 billion, and this amount was fully allocated. From this capital, the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) disbursed loans to 469 customers. By the end of 2025, the total outstanding loan balance of the program reached over VND 41.4 billion, with 456 customers still having outstanding loans.

The loans were primarily used for production development, business, livestock farming, crop cultivation, and job creation. The majority of borrowers used the capital for its intended purpose, achieving effective results, gradually increasing their income, and stabilizing their lives. Beyond improving economic conditions, policy-based credit also played a crucial role in overcoming stigma and helping those who had completed their prison sentences confidently reintegrate into the community.

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In implementing Decision No. 22/2023/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister, the Nghe An Provincial Branch of the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies proactively advised the Provincial People's Committee to issue guiding documents, and at the same time closely coordinated with the Provincial Police and authorities at all levels to implement the policy synchronously and effectively, creating a basis for the policy to be put into practice quickly and reach the right beneficiaries. According to assessments by relevant authorities, this credit program has profound humanitarian significance. Livelihood support addresses one of the fundamental causes of recidivism, contributing to the reduction of social ills and maintaining security and order in the area. At the same time, the program demonstrates the concern of the Party and the State for those who have made mistakes, providing them with an opportunity to rebuild their lives.

However, despite the achievements, the implementation process still has some limitations. The awareness of some people, including the beneficiaries themselves, about the policy is still incomplete, leading to feelings of apprehension and embarrassment when accessing capital. This has somewhat affected the expansion of the loan eligibility.

Furthermore, the number of businesses and production and trading establishments participating in loan programs to create jobs for those who have completed their prison sentences is limited. There are not many models of production linkages that create sustainable jobs for this group. The current maximum loan amount (100 million VND/person) is still low compared to actual needs, especially for large-scale production models. The regulation stipulating a loan period of 5 years from the date of completion of the prison sentence is also not truly suitable for practical realities.

To enhance the program's effectiveness in the future, the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) in Nghe An province has identified the need to continue leveraging central government funding while also advising local authorities to allocate additional resources from the local budget. Mr. Hoang Son Lam, Deputy Director of VBSP in Nghe An province, stated: Coordination with departments, agencies, mass organizations, and local authorities will continue to be strengthened to promote awareness and help people better understand the policy, thereby proactively accessing capital. Improving credit quality and strengthening inspection and supervision of loan utilization will also be prioritized. Borrowers will be guided in developing appropriate production and business plans, ensuring efficient capital utilization and minimizing risks.

One of the key solutions is to integrate credit programs with vocational training, job support, and technology transfer activities. This will not only provide borrowers with capital but also equip them with the knowledge and skills to develop sustainable production.

It can be affirmed that the credit program under Decision No. 22/2023/QD-TTg has been and is having a positive impact in Nghe An province. Not only does it provide economic support, but it also contributes to spreading a humanitarian spirit, building trust and opportunities for those who have made mistakes to rise up and become useful citizens for society. In the future, with the decisive involvement of all levels and sectors, this policy is expected to continue to be implemented effectively, contributing to building a stable, developing, and compassionate society.

Based on practical implementation, Nghe An province has also proposed that central ministries and agencies study adjusting the policy to increase the maximum loan amount to 200 million VND per person; extend the loan eligibility period from 5 years to 10 years; and create conditions for borrowers to access capital more flexibly. These are considered necessary adjustments to ensure the policy is more aligned with reality and better meets the needs of those who have completed their prison sentences.