1.8 million VND per month will be given to employees whose labour contracts are temporarily suspended or who are enduring unpaid leave. (Photo: congluan.vn)

He said that the package, designed to help people seriously affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, should go to the right recipients and should be delivered immediately and transparently. Mr. Dung added: “Revolutionary contributors, social beneficiaries, and poor and near-poor households will receive money this month. Financial support from social insurance policies will also be deployed this week.”

According to Minister Dung, "as soon as the Prime Minister signs a decision on criteria and procedures for disbursing the package, the paperwork for eligible individuals will be sent to the Vietnam Bank for Social Policies for immediate disbursement. This means the full package will be disbursed in April. Those who have work contracts will receive their money through enterprises that have been certified by local administrations.”

Mr. Dung said COVID-19 affected businesses entitled to preferential loans to pay the salaries of their workers must meet certain conditions.

“Businesses can get preferential loans only if they have paid half of their workers’ wages. The remaining wages will be paid directly to the employees instead of through the business. Enterprises are responsible for submitting a payroll list. Agencies will check the list and transfer money directly to the employees,” Minister Dung added.