MVR 182 million have been issued as Income Support Allowance for those whose employment was affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the Income Support report, MVR 182 million have been issued to 14,501 people who lost their jobs and had their income affected amid the COVID crisis as of 17 December 2020.

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.

Economic Ministry has previously said that an allowance of three months can be requested via an online form to the Job Center and further details will be published on the Job Center website.