DÍLI, july 30 2020 (TATOLI) – The Government has approved short-term measures to mitigate the impacts of the economic crisis caused by the coronavirus.
The president of the Council of Ministers, Fidélis Magalhães, said the approved measures were presented by the Committee of the Economic Recovery Plan.
“These measures aim to respond to the essential needs of citizens, support informal sector workers, increase jobs and incomes and ensure the participation of companies in the market,” Minister Fidélis Magalhães, said after the council meetig on Wednesday (29/07/020)
Mr Magalhães added that the government would provide basic staple foods and hygienic items to all residents in Timor-Leste.
“This is the only alternative, and the Government will give a voucher to all Mortise citizens to acquire the goods for their primary need, especially for local products”, he said.
He added that companies and other private-sector employers which have resumed their activities would also receive support through a monthly allowance for five months, provided that they are enrolled in social security and the tax administration.
“Employers are exempt from paying social contributions for six months,” he said.
According to Magalhães, the Government will also create support for the workers from the informal sector with the grant equivalent to 60% for the current remuneration value, which was the first step of membership to the Social Security contribution scheme during the last quarter.
“to access to this support, beneficiaries should be registered for Social Security between August and September, and then after this, they will receive support,” he concluded.
Journalist: Antónia Gusmão
Editor: Julia Chatarina/Nick Kettle
Translation: Nelia Borges
