PM approves of relief package for unemployed

The prime minister has officially approved a relief act to support 20 million people who were affected by the Covid-19 epidemic.

Millions of people are losing their jobs due to the Covid-19 epidemic

A VND1.8m (USD77) support per person per month will be given to employees who are laid off for over a month because their companies are in difficulties and don't have a fund to pay salaries. The support will be given from April to June.

Companies have already paid 50% of unemployment benefits from April to June and are in difficulties will be entitled to unsecured loans with zero interest rate that is equivalent to 50% of the regional minimum wage for each employee for a maximum of three months at the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies to pay wages.

Household businesses that pay under VND100m (USD4,300) of annual tax and have to stop business since April 1 will be given VND1m a month for three months depending on the situation. Unemployed people that do not meet criteria for unemployment benefits will be given VND1m a month.

Policy families and beneficiaries of social protection programmes will be given an additional VND500,000 (USD21) a month. Poor and near-poor households will be supported VND250,000 a month. All financial supports will be in effect from April to June.

Affected businesses that have to lay off 50% employees who have social insurances then both the employees and employers are allowed to skip their contribution to the pension and death insurance fund for a maximum of 12 months. The employers don't need the confirmation from ward and communal authorities and can send the dossiers online from April 1 until the end of the epidemic.