President signs 2026 amnesty decree, reinforcing a disciplined, conditional clemency policy

The afternoon of April 9, 2026, the Office of the President, in coordination with the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Supreme People’s Court, and other relevant agencies, held a press briefing to announce the President’s amnesty decision for 2026. Deputy Chief of the Office of the President Cấn Đình Tài said amnesty is an important legal instrument defined in the Constitution and the Amnesty Law of 2018.

He noted that, after years of implementation, amnesty has become a major, consistent policy of the Party and State, reflecting a humane and humanitarian approach and contributing to public trust in the law’s stringency and fairness. He added that the policy also affirms Vietnam’s commitment to ensuring human rights and citizen rights in a fair and equal manner.

Cause and legal basis

Deputy Chief Cấn Đình Tài said the 2026 amnesty decision was issued at the Government’s request. On April 7, 2026, General Secretary and President To Lâm signed Decision No. 457 on amnesty for 2026, which he described as having direct legal value and broader political and social significance.

Development and implementation approach

Deputy Chief Cấn Đình Tài said practical experience shows amnesty rounds have been implemented in a tightly controlled, law-abiding manner, producing positive results across political, legal, social, and diplomatic dimensions. He emphasized that the 2026 decision continues to affirm a clear stance: ensuring a close linkage between the majesty of the law and a humane, conditional clemency policy, with amnesty review carried out prudently for the right subjects while maintaining discipline, order, and social safety.

He also said the issuance of the amnesty decision on the first working day of the President’s term (2026–2031) reflects the Party and State’s commitment to uphold the rule of law and state discipline, while balancing the severity of the law with humanitarian policy goals to support social stability and sustainable development.

Key data from the previous round

Deputy Chief Cấn Đình Tài highlighted that in 2025, more than 22,000 inmates were granted amnesty with early release. He said political security and social order remained secure, and most beneficiaries quickly stabilized their lives, reintegrated into the community, and received public approval and international recognition.

Related policy on reintegration financing

Deputy Minister of Public Security Le Văn Tuyến provided additional information on the results of implementing Government Decree No. 22/2023/QĐ-TTg on credit for people who have completed serving their sentences. As of April 2026, nearly 15,000 people who had completed their sentences had borrowed more than 1.3 trillion VND.

He said that after nearly three years of implementation, Decree 22/2023 has helped people who have completed their sentences access funds to create jobs and stabilize their lives.