Although the goal of the economic relief packages is to ensure job continuity for Maldivians, large-scale lay-offs and wage reductions have taken place. The Income Support Allowance has been rolled out to provide a safety-net to affected and displaced workers due to COVID-19.

The allowance will be paid out for 10 months (April 2020 – December 2020) to eligible individuals. Maldivians who

• are currently unemployed
• are on no pay leave
• had their salary deducted
• had their earnings affected (for self-employed/ freelance workers)

due to COVID-19 related reasons may be eligible for benefits up to MVR 5,000, contingent on having been employed up until 1st December 2019.

To apply, please report your employment situation, if affected by COVID-19, on the online form found on the JobCenter website. To submit an application on the JobCenter, each user is required to sign up for an eFaas account.