President's Office have revealed that those who have lost their jobs or have had significant changes to their employment after March 1st in light of the COVID-19 pandemic will receive the 'Income Support Allowance'.

The 'Income Support Allowance' regulations published on the government gazette by the President's Office dictates that those who lost their jobs due to COVID-19 along with those who have had salary reductions, those who have been forced to take no-pay leaves along with freelancers will be eligible for the allowance.

Under the regulation, the allowance will only be eligible for Maldivians working in the Maldives.

As per the regulation, those who have lost their jobs and those on no-pay leaves and suspensions will receive an allowance of MVR 5,000 monthly while those who receive less than MVR 5,000 will receive the amount remaining after deducting that from MVR 5,000.

Freelancers who are not making any income are also eligible for the allowance of MVR 5,000 while those who have a reduced income will receive the amount remaining after deducting their current income from MVR 5,000. Freelancers who are employed elsewhere are not eligible.

The allowances are in place for the months of March, April May and June.

Those who wish to receive the allowance must apply through the Job Center or via email. If their income status changes during the period of receiving the allowance, they must inform this to the Economic Ministry as well. The Ministry also reserves the right to prosecute anyone who provides false information during the process.

Economic Minister Fayyaz Ismail had previously stated that even though the Income Support Allowance is set for three months, the period will be extended depending on the situation.