MVR 5,000 allowance to be given to those who lose employment over pandemic

The government has decided to give an allowance of MVR 5,000 to those who lose their jobs amid the Covid-10 pandemic, as well as those who have been subject to wage cuts or no-pay leaves.

Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail revealed this on Thursday, at the meeting held by the parliament’s committee on national security and foreign relations, where they inquired on the progress of the relief package for such persons.

While authorities had established a job center following increased complaints of dismissal and wage cuts amidst the ongoing crisis, the minister said that about 1,300 people have registered at the center thus far.

Noting that an allowance of MVR 5,000 will be paid to those who have been terminated, under the government’s relief package, the minister said that they will receive the allowance in April, May and June. He added that the situation will be reviewed after the three months, and additional allowances will be given if required.

However, the minister highlighted that there have been some verification issues and stated that they want to ensure that the allowance is going to those needy given that “this is the people’s money”.

The main purpose of introducing the stimulus package is to extend assistance to those who are facing such challenges due to the Covid-19 outbreak, and aims to mitigate the economic downturn caused by the pandemic.