The government has decided to offer an allowance for those who lose their jobs.

This was revealed by Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer during a press conference held on Wednesday night at the National Emergency Operations Center (NEOC) quartered at Dharubaaruge.

As such, the minister revealed that this will be done starting April.

Allowances will be offered to those who lose their jobs, for a period of three months under the stimulus package.

The main purpose of introducing the stimulus package is to extend assistance to those who are facing the burden and challenges due to the fast-spreading Novel Coronavirus (covid-19), said Ameer. It aims to mitigate the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.

This comes at a time over 11,000 employees in the hospitality and tourism industry have been sacked or put on leave without pay.

The minister urged those who have lost their jobs to register at the Job Center established by the government after which they will receive the allowance.

On Tuesday, it was revealed that 79 resorts took action against over 11,000 employees due to the economy of the country having taken a direct hit due to the pandemic. There have been dismissals, wage alterations and no pay leaves imposed on employees at these resorts. The Labour Relations Authority has since noted that these actions are “against the Employment Act”.