Guidance on New Procedures for Visiting Inmates Serving Prison Sentences

Illustrative image (source: Internet)

In Article 5 of Circular 182/2019/TT-BQP, regulations specify the issuance of the Prisoner Visit Logbook by the detention facility using a standardized form issued by the criminal judgment execution management agency. The Visit Logbook must be signed and stamped by the head of the detention facility and certified by the People's Committee or the Police at the commune level where the person resides, or the organization where the person is working or studying, confirming the list of relatives of the prisoner.

Relatives who come to visit prisoners must be listed in the Visit Logbook; if visiting for the first time without a Visit Logbook or individuals not listed in the Visit Logbook, they must have a visit application certified by the People's Committee or the Police at the commune level where they reside, or the organization where they are working or studying.

Representatives of agencies or organizations (as specified in Clause 2 Article 4) that are not allowed to visit the prisoners must have an official request letter addressed to the detention facility requesting the visit. The official letter must specify the prisoner to be visited, the person visiting, the purpose of the visit, and the duration of the visit.

Notably, when visiting, in addition to the application (for individuals) or the official letter (for agencies or organizations), visitors must bring one of the following documents:

- Identity card or citizen identification card;

- Passport; proof of being an officer, soldier, or staff if they belong to the armed forces;

- If the visitor lacks identity documents, they must submit an application with a photo attached, certified by the People's Committee or the Police at the commune level where they reside, or the organization where they are working or studying; the application and the photo must be stamped across.

Relatives who are spouses (husband or wife) of prisoners meeting the conditions to visit in a private room as per Clause 1 Article 52 of the Law on Enforcement of Criminal Judgments must have a copy of the marriage certificate or a marital status certification from the People's Committee at the commune level where the spouse of the prisoner resides.

The procedures for visiting prisoners who are foreigners are carried out in accordance with Clause 5 Article 52 of the Law on Enforcement of Criminal Judgments.

See more regulations at: Circular 182/2019/TT-BQP, effective from January 22, 2020.

Thu Ba

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