Cần Thơ seeks to rehabilitate ex-convicts, provides loans for business

Disadvantaged former convicts get Tết gifts during the signing of an agreement between the Cần Thơ City police and the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies to help ex-prisoners obtain loans to start businesses. – VNA Photo

CẦN THƠ – Cần Thơ City is helping convicts who have served out their prison sentences make an honest living by obtaining loans to start a small business or get vocational training.

On January 25 the city police department and the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies signed an agreement to implement Decision No. 22/2023/QĐ-TTg of the Government.

It requires the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies to lend money to ex-convicts for setting up businesses and enrolling in training courses. Also eligible for the loans are businesses employing former convicts.

At the signing ceremony, Senior Colonel Hồ Trung Lập, deputy director of the police department, commended the city for its rehabilitation of ex-convicts and helping them reintegrate into society.

Local authorities have co-operated closely with the police for the rehabilitation, he said.

But the task faces some difficulties, especially with getting them jobs and loans, he said.

Decision 22 is thus an important and timely policy to help them re-enter and contribute to society, he added.

The co-operation programme requires the two sides to work together to raise awareness of the credit policy so that people in need can access the loans.

Nguyễn Thực Hiện, deputy chairman of the city People’s Committee, called on the two sides to assess former convicts’ loan needs to ensure the money goes to the right individuals.

He also said relevant authorities need to support the beneficiaries and create favourable conditions for them to use their loans effectively.

Also at the event, Tết gifts were presented to disadvantaged former convicts. – VNS