Over MVR 125 million has been issued through the government’s income support allowance programme.

According to the Ministry of Finance, the MVR 125.8 million was disbursed to 10,994 individuals by November 12.

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.

The goal of the financial relief package is “to ensure job continuity for Maldivians, large-scale lay-offs and wage reductions have taken place.”

Those eligible for the MVR 5,000 relief package are Maldivians who are currently unemployed; are on no pay leave; had their salary deducted; and had their earnings affected (for self-employed and freelance workers).

While the Covid-19 emergency income support allowance was introduced in May, for a three month period -April, May and June- a second round was announced for July, August and September. Back in October, the finance minister announced plans to continue the programme until December.