Vietnam will release up to 17,000 prisoners as part of the annual National Day amnesty this year, the biggest-ever of its kind, the government announced in a press conference Monday.

Between 16,000 and 17,000 inmates will be granted clemency on the 70th anniversary of the National Day on September 2.

The list of inmates eligible for the amnesty is scheduled to be submitted in late August to the president for approval.

Vietnam typically grants amnesty to prisoners on major national holidays, including the Lunar New Year (Tet) and the National Day.