The communist regime in Vietnam usually marks national elections in the authoritarian country by releasing convicted prisoners.
The announcement on Saturday also applies to a number of foreign prisoners. However, no prisoners convicted of “attempting to overthrow the regime” or “terrorism” will be released.
At the beginning of June, 9,950 prisoners will be released following a decision by the ruling Communist Party's General Secretary and President, To Lam.
Vietnam elected a new party congress and national assembly in March.
The country released 22,000 prisoners last year in conjunction with celebrations marking the 50th anniversary of the fall of Saigon in the Vietnam War and the 80th anniversary of independence.
