A total of MVR 43.6 million has been issued as income support allowance.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the MVR 43.6 million was disbursed to 5,440 individuals by August 13.

The income support allowance scheme was introduced by the government in May, as a relief for individuals experiencing financial difficulties as a result of employment issues due to the Covid-19 crisis.

Under the support scheme, government will grant an allowance of up to MVR 5,000 to individuals that fall into four main categories: those that were dismissed or suspended from employment, individuals on leave without pay, individuals facing salary deductions and freelancers.

All individuals employed before March 1, currently facing dismissals or suspensions and placed on leave without pay are eligible to receive an allowance of MVR 5,000 under the scheme.

The regulations under the income support allowance state that criminal action will be taken against individuals who provide false information when applying.

Under the Covid-19 recovery loan scheme, a total of MVR 209.9 million was disbursed for 1,046 businesses by August 13 while MVR 13 million was issued for 433 self-employed individuals.

In total, MVR 222.9 million has been issued for 1,479 individuals under this scheme.