Ministry of Finance and Treasury has said that MVR 96.4 million has been released in total as Income Support Allowance.

The Finance Ministry said that as of last Thursday, MVR 96.4 million has been released to 8648 people who lost employment amid the COVID-19 pandemic. This is an increase of MVR 6.6 million in the amount compared to the amount as of 24 September.

Income Support Allowance program began on 20 May 2020 as part of the MVR 2.5 billion relief package to assist the economy. Over MVR 1 billion has been released from the package so far.

The regulations state that only those who either lost their jobs, had a significant pay cut, as well as those who were forced on no-pay leaves along with freelancers, will be eligible for the allowance. It also states that those who have been suspended and are on no-pay leave with receive an allowance of MVR 5,000. For those who had a pay cut, if their salary is below MVR 5000, the amount they receive now will be deducted from MVR 5,000 with the remainder being their allowance.

In addition to this, freelancers with zero income will receive the MVR 5,000 allowance. A research conducted by the Maldives National University said that five in ten Maldivians had their employment affected by COVID-19.