HANOI: The Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam is seeking feedback on a draft circular that would introduce supervised video calls between inmates and their relatives through a secure system managed by prison authorities, Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reported.
If approved, the regulation would allow prisoners to make one video call per month, lasting up to 10 minutes, at no cost. The calls would be arranged and monitored by prison staff and carried out through a dedicated communications network installed in detention facilities.
The draft circular was prepared by the department responsible for prison management and is expected to be submitted to the Minister of Public Security for approval in May. It would take effect 45 days after being signed and replace the current rules issued in 2020.
Under the proposal, prisoners would not have direct access to the internet or to commercial messaging platforms. Instead, calls would take place through a controlled system operated by prison authorities, which would connect inmates with relatives using registered devices.
A lecturer at Van Lang University, Nguyen Hieu Van, said research shows that prisoners who remain in touch with their families tend to adapt better to life in prison and are less likely to reoffend after release.
Studies cited by international organisations suggest that inmates who maintain family relationships during their sentences have recidivism rates roughly between 20 and 30 per cent lower than those who lose contact with their social networks.
"Being able to see loved ones through video calls can help inmates feel supported and maintain motivation to rebuild their lives," Van said. - Bernama-VNA
