The Fijian Government has announced a $200million in unemployment income support to Fijians affected by COVID-19, both in the formal and informal sectors.
Attorney-General and Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum made the announcement while delivering the 2021-2022 National Budget in Parliament this hour.
He announced that beginning from August 1, 2021, every affected Fijian will be entitled to a monthly allowance of $120 for six months, which will be made in two lump-sum payments.
“The first lump-sum payout of $360 per person will be done in August 2021 to cater for the three months from August to October, with a total estimated payout of around $100million,” Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said.
“This support will assist individuals who are in the formal and informal sectors, are above the age of 18 years, living in Viti Levu, and do not benefit from any social welfare payments, education allowances, any other government-funded assistance or withdrawals from FNPF.
“This assistance will only be provided to those eligible individuals who have received at least their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine before the application period ends. Eligible Fijians have at least three weeks to ensure that they get at least the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. No jabs, no assistance.”
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said the Government would make the second payment of $360 in November to eligible Fijians provided they were fully vaccinated by October 31, with a total estimated payout of an additional $100m.
“This payment will cater for the three months ending January 2022. We will make medical exceptions for those with a certificate from the PS for Health and Medical Services,” he said.
