The Maldives’ government will continue to issue income support allowance until December to those whose livelihoods were affected due to COVID-19.
The government has been issuing an income support allowance of MVR 5,000 per month under its Economic Relief Package for those whose employment was affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In this regard, MVR 996.4 million has been issued as Income Support until now, the Finance Ministry has said.
In response to a question asked by a parliament member during Wednesday’s Parliament sitting, Finance Minister Ibrahim Ameer said the government has decided to extend the duration for which income support is issued, and will continue to disburse the allowance until December this year. If the need arises for a longer extension, changes will be brought accordingly, said the minister.
The World Bank has decided to supplement the government’s efforts to provide income support by US$ 12.8 million, which would allow for 13,000 people to claim the benefit. While a large number of locals are facing job loss due to the global pandemic, a study conducted by UNDP and the Economic Ministry found that the employment status of over 45,000 people were affected in the Maldives as a result of the global pandemic. According to the Tourism Employment Association, over 11,000 people working in the tourism ministry have been put on ‘no pay’ leaves. A second study conducted by the Maldives National University shows that the employment status of 5 out of every 10 person has been affected.
The Maldives reopened its borders on July 15 after closing it earlier in March as a precautionary measure against COVID-19. The number of tourists visiting the country is still 90 percent less than pre-COVID-19 arrivals. Tourism experts say a substantial amount of tourists are expected to arrive starting October.
