More than $340,000 has been committed to former inmates under the Ex-Inmates Livelihood Support Fund since the 2021/2022 financial year to assist with rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Details were tabled in Parliament by Minister for Justice and Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga in response to a written question by Opposition MP Jone Usamate on the operational and financial outputs of the Yellow Ribbon Programme.
According to the figures presented, $100,000 was allocated under the support fund in the 2021/2022 financial year, with $37,205.10 committed to assisting 25 former inmates.
The Ministry said fewer applications were received and processed during that period due to the impacts of COVID-19.
In the 2022/2023 financial year, another $100,000 was allocated, with $67,852.53 committed towards assisting 48 former inmates.
The Ministry noted that inmates were required to complete relevant rehabilitation programmes before qualifying for assistance, with approvals dependent on the type of business proposed and the processes required in the business sector.
For the 2023/2024 financial year, $100,000 was allocated and $83,936.76 committed to support 53 former inmates.
In 2024/2025, another $100,000 allocation resulted in $80,571.65 being committed to assist 52 former inmates.
During the current 2025/2026 financial year, the allocation increased to $112,500, with $70,987.19 already committed towards assisting 38 former inmates.
Turaga said the Yellow Ribbon Programme continued to focus on rehabilitation, accountability and reintegration, while helping former inmates become productive members of society.
