Gov't releases package to support coronavirus-hit groups

Accordingly, the employees who take unpaid leave or have their contracts suspended for one month or longer will receive VND1.8 million (US$77.21) each. The support duration shall not exceed three months, starting from April 1, 2020.

To provide additional support to workers, businesses with financial difficulties will be able to get zero-interest loans without any collateral from the Viet Nam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) to pay an additional half a month's salary to these employees.

Individual business households that have a taxable revenue of less than VND100 million (US$4,282) a year and have temporarily suspended business operation from April 1this year will be supported with VND1 million per month (for a maximum of three months depending on the evolution of the disease).

Those who have their employment contract terminated, have employment contract but are not eligible for unemployment benefits, or become unemployed due to the lack of contract signing will also be entitled to VND1 million a month, from April to June 2020.

Revolutionary contributors enjoying monthly allowance and beneficiaries of social assistance are entitled to VND500,000 (US$21.45) per month. For the poor and near-poor households, each is subject to VND250,000 per month and will receive a lump sum payment for three months.

The support package is implemented in the spirit of the State, businesses and the social community sharing responsibility in ensuring the life for workers.

The Government assigned the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs to instruct localities to identify the right subjects and implement this policy.

(Source: VGP)