Supporting Expat Prisoners in Vietnam and Their Families Overseas

Being detained in a foreign country can be an overwhelming experience for both the prisoner and their loved ones. Language barriers, unfamiliar legal processes, limited communication, and concerns about health and welfare often leave families feeling anxious and powerless. Since 1998, SJP has provided professional, in-person prisoner liaison services throughout Vietnam, acting as a trusted point of contact between expatriate prisoners, their families, legal representatives, embassies, and Vietnamese authorities. Our role is to ensure that detainees are not facing these challenges alone while providing families with reassurance through reliable communication and practical support.

One of our primary responsibilities is monitoring the welfare and wellbeing of expatriate prisoners. Through regular prison visits, we assess physical and mental health, living conditions, personal safety, and access to essential services. Where medical attention is required, we help coordinate appropriate treatment, monitor ongoing healthcare needs, and assist in ensuring prescribed medications are available whenever permitted. We also provide specialist support for female prisoners, including additional welfare oversight, hygiene assistance, and coordination with female correctional staff where appropriate.

 

Communication between detainees and their families is often one of the greatest concerns during imprisonment. SJP acts as an independent liaison, helping families remain informed while assisting prisoners to maintain meaningful contact with loved ones. We organise authorised video calls, telephone calls, written correspondence, and family updates, helping reduce uncertainty during difficult periods. We also work closely with embassies, consulates, lawyers, and Vietnamese government authorities to facilitate communication, coordinate documentation, and support the protection of each detainee’s legal rights throughout the detention process.

Our assistance extends well beyond prison visits. We can help manage approved inmate financial accounts, arrange the delivery of authorised personal items, and provide practical day-to-day support where required. As a detainee approaches release, we assist with transport, temporary accommodation, immigration and travel arrangements, legal guidance, and reintegration planning. Through our extensive Vietnam prison network and more than two decades of experience, SJP delivers compassionate, confidential, and professional support designed to assist expatriate prisoners and provide reassurance to their families during one of the most challenging periods of their lives.

Financial & Practical Support

Management of inmate accounts, delivery of approved items, and financial monitoring.

Release & Post-Detention Support

Transport, accommodation, legal guidance, immigration assistance, and reintegration support.

Emergency Accommodation Assistance

Short-term housing arrangements for detainees released without support.

Vietnam Prison Network

SJP operates across major correctional facilities throughout Vietnam, including

Welfare & Welfare Checks

Regular in-person visits to assess physical and mental wellbeing, living conditions, safety, and treatment.

Family Liaison

We act as the bridge between detainee and family, ensuring clear communication, updates, and ongoing support.

Medical Monitoring

Ensuring access to proper medical care, evaluation, and required medication.

Video Calls & Communication

Arranging authorised video calls, phone calls, and written communication between detainee and family.

Legal & Embassy Coordination

Liaising with embassies, consulates, lawyers, and Vietnamese authorities to ensure rights are respected.

Support for Female Prisoners

Special protocols including safety oversight, hygiene support, and coordination with female officers.