Major supermarket "Pang Dong Lai" in Henan Province, China, is promoting the employment of people seeking social reintegration after completing their sentences. This initiative to support people who lose employment opportunities solely due to their past criminal records is attracting attention within China.

【その他の写真】

Founder Yu Donglai stated in a social media post on the 15th that the company first hired such individuals in 2025. Those hired are still working, and there have been no resignations so far.

In August 2025, when the company recruited approximately 1,000 people for a store in Xinxiang City, Henan Province, it announced a policy to hire approximately 2% of the total from those who had completed their sentences. After setting up a dedicated application channel, 30 people applied. Although initially planning to hire 20 people, they ultimately hired all 30 applicants.

Furthermore, in March this year, Mr. Yu revealed that at the Zhengzhou store, scheduled to open in October, they also plan to hire several individuals seeking social reintegration.

Pang Dong Lai is a retail company operating supermarkets, department stores, home appliances, food and beverage, and other businesses primarily in Henan Province. It is known for its high wages and welfare benefits for employees, as well as its comprehensive customer service.

For people who have completed their sentences, it is not uncommon for a past criminal record to become a barrier to employment. Obtaining a stable job is an important step towards rebuilding their lives and reintegrating into society.

On the Chinese internet, voices praising Pang Dong Lai's initiative are spreading, with comments such as, "They are not excluding people just for past mistakes, but giving them a chance to start over," and "I hope more companies do this."

■筆者プロフィール：張燕波

中国山東省威海市出身。1998年に技能実習生として初めて日本へ。2000年から日本留学。06～12年にイオン九州に勤務。13～20年に神戸大学大学院修士課程、博士課程で日本の古典文学を研究。21年に帰国し、現在は山東省青島市の私立高校で日本語教師を務める。