Finance Ministry has revealed that 1,450 people have been paid through the income support program after their employment were affected due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Ministry highlighted that MVR 5.8 million has been disbursed to 1,450 people however they did not disclose any further information.

The income support allowance is being provided for the months of April, May and June. 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.