
Wage and income support
How governments are supporting and protecting household incomes
Argentina
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Designated COVID-19 as an occupational hazard(...)Announced13/04/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government designated COVID-19 as an occupational hazard. Workers providing essential services, such as healthcare workers, will be protected by the Law of Occupational Hazards and receive compensation in case of infection.
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Established payments to workers of small to medium sized businesses(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government created the National Program of Emergency Assistance to Labor and Production, including several benefits for small to medium sized businesses. A compensatory allowance will be paid by the National Social Security Administration to certain workers of businesses of up to 100 employees.
A non-remunerative allowance will be paid for those businesses that exceed the number of 100 employees.
An unemployment benefit will be granted for workers of small to medium sized businesses.
A government monitoring committee has been created to attend requests on this matter.
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Relaxed welfare payment rules(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government relaxed welfare payment rules. ‘Employer Contributions’ faced by small to medium sized businesses employers will receive deadline extensions or reductions of up to 95 percent.
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Prohibited dismissals and suspensions of workers for a period of 60 days(...)Announced31/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government prohibited dismissals and suspensions of workers for 60 days. Force majeure or work disminution may not be used as causes to dismiss or suspend workers during this period.
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Extended the National Installment Payment Program (Ahora12)(...)Announced31/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government extended the duration of Ahora12, the National Installment Payment Program. People can purchase products included in the program’s list through installment payments, with no interest.
The program is intended to protect against inflation rate in Argentina by avoiding abrupt price increases, and support incomes and wages.
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Banned foreclosures and mortgage repayment increases(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government banned foreclosures from 29 March until 30 September 2020. During that time, monthly mortgage installments may not be increased on residential properties.
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Established bonus payments to healthcare workers(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government established an ‘extraordinary payment’ to all healthcare workers who provide medical services. Workers will receive four bonuses at the end of the months of April, May, June and July of ARS$5,000 per month.
Both workers from the private and the public healthcare systems are included in this policy.
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Established a one-off payment to support vulnerable workers(...)Announced23/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government will make a one-off payment of ARS$10,0000 to support workers in vulnerable situations. People who are either unemployed, working under informal conditions, or those who fit in the lowest categories of “self-employment tax payer” (‘monotributo’), will be the beneficiaries of this income support payment.
The payment will benefit approximately 3.6 million households, and will be paid in April. It is called ‘Ingreso Familiar de Emergencia (IFE)’, which translates to ‘Emergency Family Income.’
Australia
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Extended the exemption on obligations for people receiving unemployment benefit(...)Announced24/04/2020Policy details
The Australian Government will extend an exemption in which job seekers do not have to complete four job search activities per month. The exemption will end on 22 May 2020. After the exemption, failing to fulfil mutual obligations may affect income support payments.
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Introduced wage subsidy(...)Announced30/03/2020Policy details
The Australian Government will pay a JobKeeper Payment to eligible employers.
The payment is AUD$1,500 per fortnight (before tax) for each eligible employee. Employers will pay their employees, and the Government will pay the subsidy to employers in arrears. Employers can start payments on 30 March.
Payments will last up to 6 months. Small to medium sized employers are eligible if they have lost 30 percent or more of their turnover from last year. Large employers are eligible if they have lost 50 percent of their turnover from last year.
Casual workers who have worked for an employer for less than 12 months and temporary visa holders who are not New Zealanders are not eligible.
The JobKeeper Payment aims to keep people in jobs, and to enable businesses to restart quickly once the pandemic has ended. It is estimated to cost AUD$130 billion.
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Increased income support payments(...)Announced22/03/2020Policy details
The Australian Government will pay a coronavirus supplement of AUD$550 per fortnight to recipients of income support payments.
This will bring the total income support to AUD $1,100 for recipients of the Jobseeker Payment, Youth Allowance Jobseeker, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit.
The Coronavirus supplement will last for 6 months, and during this time eligibility for income support will be expanded to households that earn up to AUD$80,000.
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Allowed temporary access to superannuation, and reduced drawdown rates(...)Announced22/03/2020Policy details
The Australian Government is allowing individuals affected by the Coronavirus to access up to AUD$10,000 of their superannuation in 2019-20 and a further AUD$10,000 in 2020-21.
Individuals will not need to pay tax on amounts released and the money they withdraw will not affect Centrelink or Veterans’ Affairs payments.
Additionally, the Government announced it will halve minimum drawdown rates for account-based pensions and similar products for 2019-20 and 2020-21. This measure is intended to benefit retirees who would otherwise need to sell investment assets to drawdown on funds.
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Provided second payment to pensioners, beneficiaries, veterans and people on health-care cards(...)Announced22/03/2020Policy details
The Australian Government is providing a second payment of AUD$750 to veterans, people on health-care cards and pensioners.
A first payment was announced on 12 March 2020 and will be paid on 31 March. The second payment will be made from 13 July 2020. The second payment will not be made to those eligible for the Coronavirus supplement.
The payments are intended to support confidence and domestic demand in the economy.
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Provided one-off payment to pensioners, beneficiaries, veterans and people on healthcare cards(...)Announced12/03/2020Policy details
The Australian Government is providing a one-off payment of AUD$750 payments to social security, veteran and other income support recipients and eligible concession card holders.
The measure, which is part of a AUD$22.9 billion package, is intended to support confidence and domestic demand in the economy. The payment will be made on 31 March 2020 and has an overall cost of AUD$4.8 million.
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Reduced social security deeming rates(...)Announced12/03/2020Policy details
The Government announced a 0.5 percentage point reduction in both the upper and lower social security deeming rates.
The Government will now reduce these rates by another 0.25 percentage points. As of 1 May 2020, the upper deeming rate will be 2.25 percent and the lower deeming rate will be 0.25 percent.
The deeming rate is used by the government to calculate a person’s income. Lowering the deeming rate will benefit pensioners and other income support recipients.
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Established a wage subsidy for apprentices and trainees(...)Announced11/03/2020Policy details
The Australian Government will allow employers to apply for a wage subsidy of 50 percent of the wage of an apprentice or trainee. The subsidy will run for 9 months 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2020.
Employers will be reimbursed up to a maximum of AUD$21,000 per eligible apprentice or trainee (AUD$7,000 per quarter).
Austria
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Provided tax credits without stipulations(...)Announced24/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance amended the Federal Tax Code to allow the government to provide tax credits without any stipulations. Previously, tax credits had to be used to repay due tax debts.
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Authorised the federal tax office to audit recipients of coronavirus subsidies(...)Announced24/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance approved the Promotional Audit Act, which allows the federal tax office to audit the data and documents beneficiaries of coronavirus subsidies.
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Exempted employees from paying taxes on bonuses up to EUR 3,000(...)Announced04/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance exempted employees from paying taxes on bonuses up to EUR 3,000.
All coronavirus "support services" were completely retrospectively exempted from paying taxes, beginning from March 1, 2020.
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Increased funding for short-term work programme(...)Announced28/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance increased the coronavirus short-term work programme from EUR 400 million to EUR 1 billion.
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Provided support for artists(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The Government of Austria provided 5 million EUR for artists who are not eligible for other economic support packages.
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Established short-term work programme(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
As part of the EUR 4 billion for emergency aid, the Ministry of Finance established a coronavirus short-term work programme in which citizens can apply for assistance. EUR 400 million was earmarked for the fund.
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Removed tax from bonus payments for staff in front-line jobs(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance removed tax from bonus payments for staff that currently maintain the system and are particularly at risk, such as staff in supermarkets.
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Extended deadline for annual tax declaration(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance extended the deadline for submitting the annual tax declaration from the end of April and the end of June to August 31, 2020
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Allocated funds for tax deferrals(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance allocated EUR 10 billion for tax deferrals.
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Allocated funds for guarantees and liabilities(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance allocated EUR 9 billion for guarantees and liabilities
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Reduced tax pre-payments for people who lose income due to COVID-19(...)Announced14/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance allowed taxable persons who suffer from a loss of income due to the SARS-CoV virus to submit an application to reduce income or make corporate tax prepayments for the calendar year, without additional interest.
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Deferred some tax payments(...)Announced14/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance allowed taxpayers to request from their tax office a deferral of certain tax payments or payment in installments, without additional interest or fees.
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Allocated funding for emergency aid(...)Announced14/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance allocated EUR 4 billion for emergency aid.
Brazil
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Allowed workers to withdraw funds from severance indemnity fund(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of the Economy authorized the withdrawal by workers, of up to R $ 1,045 of the total value of their active or inactive accounts in the Time Guarantee Fund of Service (FGTS) from June 15 until December 31, 2020.
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Extended deadline for payment of taxes(...)Announced03/04/2020Policy details
The Management Committee of Simples Nacional Extended the deadline for payment of taxes within the scope of Simples Nacional. For Individual Microentrepreneurs (MEI), all taxes calculated in the DAS-MEI Generating Program, that is, federal (INSS), state (ICMS) and municipal (ISS) taxes are extended for 6 months. For others they have 3 months for state (ICMS) and municipal (ISS) taxes and 6 months for federal (INSS).
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Provided payment for workers who have reduced hours or are unemployed(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy established the Emergency Employment and Income Maintenance Program, which grants the Emergency Employment and Income Preservation Benefit to workers who have a reduced working day or a suspended contract, as well as emergency assistance for intermittent workers with a formalized employment contract. This results in R $ 600.00 per month and may be granted for up to 90 days for informal workers, unemployed and individual microentrepreneurs (MEIs) that integrate low-income families
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Provided loans to small and medium sized companies for payroll costs(...)Announced30/03/2020Policy details
The Banco Central Do Brasil announced a BRL 40 billion emergency credit line in order to support the payroll costs of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises' (SME). The financing will be released in two tranches of BRL 20 billion, small and medium-sized companies (SME) — will have access, for two months, to an emergency payroll financing line.
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Allowed Direct Credit Societies to issue credit cards(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The Banco Central Do Brasil authorized Direct Credit Societies (SCD) to issue credit cards.
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Reduced interest rates on credit cards(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy reduced interest rates for the credit card from 3% to 2.70%.
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Simplified protocols allowed remote access for social security benefits(...)Announced19/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy simplified protocols and created remote access for social security benefits.
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Provided part payment of workers wages(...)Announced19/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy established the anti-unemployment program, funded from the Worker Support Fund (FAT), where people who receive up to two minimum wages and have reduced wages and working hours will have access to an advance of 25% of what they would be entitled to monthly, if they applied for unemployment insurance. The anti-unemployment program will pay workers an amount ranging from R $ 261.25 to R $ 381.22.
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Provided emergency payments for informal and low income workers(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy announced emergency assistance for informal and low-income workers, with installments of R $ 200 per person, for three months, to meet essential needs, which represents R $ 15 billion (R $ 5 billion per month).
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Reduced interest rates on payroll loan for retirees and pensioners(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy reduced the interest rate on the payroll loan for retirees and pensioners of the National Social Security Institute (INSS) from the current 2.08% to 1.80%
Canada
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Announced additional financial support for seniors(...)Announced12/05/2020Policy details
The Canadian government announced a series of additional measures intended to help Canadian seniors and provide them with greater financial security.
This includes providing CA$2.5 billion in additional financial support for a one-time tax-free payment of CA$300 for seniors eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension, with an additional $200 for seniors eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).
Additionally, CA$20 million is set aside to expand the New Horizons for Seniors Program, to support organizations that offer community-based projects that aim to reduce isolation, improve the quality of life of seniors, and help them maintain a social support network.
There are currently 6.7 million seniors who are eligible for the OAS pension and 2.2 million who are eligible for the GIS.
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Announced funding to boost wages for low-income essential workers(...)Announced07/05/2020Policy details
The Canadian government announced up to CA$3 billion in funding to increase the wages of low-income essential workers.
All provinces and territories have confirmed, or are in the process of confirming, plans to cost share these wage increases.
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Announced further increase of Canada Child Benefit for May(...)Announced03/05/2020Policy details
The Canadian government announced an increase of CA$300 per child in May for families receiving the Canada Child Benefit (CCB).
Eligible families will automatically receive this one-time increase as part of their scheduled CCB payment in May. Those who already receive the CCB do not need to re-apply for this one-time increase.
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Increased financial support for students and new graduates(...)Announced22/04/2020Policy details
The Canadian government announced CA$9 billion in support to post-secondary students and recent graduates.
This package is intended to support students in the summer, help them continue their studies in the fall, and help many get experience they need for their careers.
Funding will go towards a variety of measures. This includes a proposed Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which would provide CA$1,250 per month for eligible students or CA$1,750 per month for eligible students with dependants or disabilities, available from May to August 2020.
The funding includes the creation of a new Canada Student Service Grant, which will provide up to CA$5,000 towards education for students who choose to partake in national service and help their communities.
The funding will expand existing federal employment, skills development, and youth programming, intended to create up to 116,000 jobs, placements, and other training opportunities.
Funding further includes doubling the Canada Student Grants for all eligible full-time students to up to CA$6,000 and CA$3,600 for part-time students in 2020-21. The Canada Student Grants for Students with Permanent Disabilities and Students with Dependents would also be doubled.
Further measures will broaden eligibility for student financial assistance and enhance the Canada Student Loans Program by raising the maximum weekly amount that can provided in 2020-21 from CA$210 to CA$350.
CA$75.2 million is allocated towards increasing existing distinctions-based support for First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation students.
CA$291.6 million is allocated towards federal granting councils to extend expiring federal graduate research scholarships and postdoctoral scholarships. The government also intends to enhance work opportunities for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows through the National Research Council of Canada.
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Provided targeted support to certain businesses and sectors(...)Announced17/04/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government announced CA$1.7 billion in targeted support for businesses. The funding is aimed at job protection and business recovery.
CA$675 million in financing support is set aside for small and medium-sized businesses that are unable to access existing support measures
CA$287 million is set aside for rural businesses and communities, including providing access to capital through the Community Futures Network.
CA$500 million is set aside for to establish an Emergency Support Fund for Cultural, Heritage and Sport Organisations.
CA$250 million is set aside for assistance to innovative, early-stage companies unable to access existing business support.
CA$20.1 million is set aside for support to Futurpreneur Canada aimed at supporting young entrepreneurs.
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Announced support for youth employment(...)Announced08/04/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government announced temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program.
The previously announced wage subsidy will be increased so that private and public sector employers can also receive up to 100 percent of the provincial or territorial minimum hourly wage for each employee.
The end date for employment will be extended to 28 February 2021.
Employers will be allowed to adapt their projects and job activities to support essential services.
Employers will be allowed to hire staff on a part-time basis.
The measure is intended to help employers hire summer staff and provide employment for young Canadians.
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Established temporary wage subsidy program(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government announced a temporary wage subsidy program to support households and businesses through the dire economic consequences of COVID-19.
Through this program, the Canadian Government will provide businesses and self-employed people with a wage subsidy of up to 75 percent for up to 3 months, retroactive to 15 March 2020. The wage subsidy applies to businesses that can prove a 30 percent decline in revenue.
As of 27 March 2020 the Canadian Government removed caps and expanded the program to include businesses of all sizes.
As of 8 May 2020, the Canadian Government announced the wage subsidy program will extend to beyond June.
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Established an emergency unemployment benefit(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government will provide a taxable benefit of CA$2000 a month for up to 4 months to people facing unemployment, called the Canadian Emergency Response benefit (CERB).
Those eligible for the CERB include: workers who must stop working due to COVID19 and do not have access to paid leave or other income support; workers who are sick, quarantined, or taking care of someone who is sick with COVID-19; working parents who must stay home without pay to care for children that are sick or need additional care because of school and daycare closures; workers who still have their employment but are not being paid because there is currently not sufficient work and their employer has asked them not to come to work; wage earners and self-employed individuals, including contract workers, who would not otherwise be eligible for Employment Insurance.
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Removed requirement for medical certificate to access sickness benefits(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government will waive the requirement to provide a medical certificate to access Employment Insurance benefits if an individual is sick, quarantined, or has been directed to self-isolate.
The measure is intended to make it easier for individuals to access benefits and reduce unnecessary contact with medical professionals.
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Increased the Canada Child Benefit(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government allocated an additional CA$300 per child to eligible households under the Canada Child Benefit for 2019-20. The approximate value for the average family is CA$550. The measure will provide an additional CA$2 billion in support for parents laid off or unable to work.
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Provided tax credit to low income families(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government will provide a one-time special payment to “low and modest income” families through the Goods and Services Tax Credit (GSTC) by early May 2020.
The GSTC is a tax-free quarterly payment to low income individuals and families intended to offset the GST or Harmonised Sales Tax (HST) they pay. On average, the GSTC payment will provide up to an additional CA$400 to individuals and CA$600 to couples.
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Announced a moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government is placing a six-month interest-free moratorium on the repayment of Canada Student Loans for all student loan borrowers, effective 30 March 2020.
The measure is intended to reduce financial pressure on student loan holders. No payment will be required and interest will not accrue during this time.
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Extended the work-sharing program(...)Announced11/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government extended the maximum duration of the Canadian Work-Sharing program from 38 weeks to 76 weeks.
Work-Sharing (WS) is an adjustment program designed to help employers and employees avoid layoffs when there is a temporary reduction in the normal level of business activity beyond the control of the employer. The measure provides income support to employees eligible for Employment Insurance benefits who work a temporarily reduced work week while their employer recovers.
Work-Sharing is a three-party agreement involving employers, employees and Service Canada. Employees on a Work-Sharing agreement must agree to a reduced schedule of work and to share the available work over a specified period of time.
China
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Relaxed some job entry requirements(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Chinese Government will allow some people to begin new positions without having reeived the required certificates, which can be acquired later after examinations processes return to normal.
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Suspended depositing wages of migrant workers(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The Office of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security Office of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development suspended the policy of depositing wages of migrant workers.
This measure is intended to better implement the employment priority policy, accelerate the implementation of phased and targeted burden reduction measures, and promote the resumption of production of construction enterprises.
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Guaranteed loans for entrepreneurs infected with COVID-19(...)Announced07/02/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance announced that a guarantee loan for entrepreneurs infected with COVID-19 will be extended for one year. Those entrepreneurs will also continue to be eligible for a discount of 50 percent of commercial interest rates charged to businesses.
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Required banks to relax mortgage and credit card repayment rules(...)Announced07/02/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance announced that banks would be required to relax rules for mortgages, personal credit card repayment arrangements, and insurance protection.
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Exempted COVID-19 prevention workers from personal income tax(...)Announced06/02/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance announced it would exempt people who work to prevent and control COVID-19 from personal income tax.
Additionally, medical supplies issued to people to assist with symptoms of COVID-19 are not included in wages and salaries, and will not be taxed.
Denmark
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Established compensation scheme to partially reimburse wage costs(...)Announced15/03/2020Policy details
The Danish government established a scheme to provide partial reimbursement for wage costs for companies who face dismissals for more than 30 percent of their employees, or more than 50 persons.
Compensation is available for up to three months and covers up to 75 percent of the salaries of affected employees, to a maximum of kr. 23,000 per employee per month. For hourly wage earners, compensation covers up to 90 percent of earnings, to a maximum of kr. 26,000 per employee per month.
Employees will be obliged to take five days of mandatory vacation or time off from work, and companies must undertake not to dismiss employees for financial reasons during the period in which they receive the compensation.
The scheme will apply from 9 March to 9 June 2020.
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Removed requirement to be available to work for welfare benefit(...)Announced12/03/2020Policy details
The Danish government removed the requirement that welfare recipients be available to work in order to receive payments.
The measure allows welfare beneficiaries to maintain their benefits at the same level as before the policy was introduced.
The policy is related to the closure of job centers, which in effect temporarily suspended employment support, including cancellation of all scheduled calls, postponement of all activation offers, and a freeze in new employment offers.
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Established reimbursement scheme for sick leave(...)Announced12/03/2020Policy details
The Danish government will reimburse employers of citizens infected by or quarantined due to COVID-19.
The policy advances the date at which employers can receive sickness benefit reimbursement for wages and sickness benefits to the first day of absence. The waiting period was previously 30 days.
The law will apply retroactively from 27 February 2020 to 1 January 2021.
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Allowed companies to reduce employees’ working hours(...)Announced12/03/2020Policy details
The Danish government allowed companies to reduce employees' working hours for a temporary period during which they can then receive supplementary unemployment benefit.
This policy is intended to help companies avoid redundancies to limit increases in unemployment.
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Provided funding for initiatives to address large-scale lay-offs(...)Announced12/03/2020Policy details
The Danish government has allocated kr. 10 million to fund support for workers subject to mass dismissals caused by COVID-19.
This measure is intended to fund programmes related to unemployment support, in the event that mass dismissals occur.
Germany
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Signed an agreement with Austria to avoid double taxation(...)Announced16/04/2020Policy details
The German Government signed an agreement with Austria to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion of cross-border commuters between the two countries during COVID-19. It builds upon existing agreements for cross-border commuters but clarifies how tax authorities will deal with situations where people work from home, receive salary while not working or receive social insurance payments while not working.
The agreement refers to working days between 11 March 2019 and 30 April 2020. After 30 April 2020, it will automatically be renewed from the end of one calendar month to the end of the next calendar month unless terminated by the competent authority of one of the Contracting States at least one week before the beginning of the following calendar month by written notice to the competent authority of the other Contracting State.
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Introduced tax measures to promote donations for aid(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The German Government introduced various tax measures to encourage aid for those affected by the coronavirus crisis.
The tax measures simplify various administrative requirements such as the collection of donations, usage of donation, sponsoring, financial support amongst business partners and others, to provide flexibility in supporting support efforts.
The measures will be backdated to 1 March 2020 and continue to 31 December 2020.
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Allowed tax-free support payments from employers to employees(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The German Government allowed employers to grant their employees aid and support up to an amount of 1,500 euros tax-free in the form of grants or benefits in kind.
The tax relief is applicable to payments between 1 March and 31 December 2020. The grants must be paid in addition to the salary that is owed in any case.
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Signed an agreement with the Netherlands to avoid double taxation(...)Announced06/04/2020Policy details
The German Government signed an agreement with the Dutch Government to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion of cross-border commuters between the two countries during COVID-19. It builds upon existing agreements for cross-border commuters but clarifies how tax authorities will deal with situations where people work from home, receive salary while not working or receive social insurance payments while not working.
The agreement refers to working days between 11 March 2019 and 30 April 2020. After 30 April 2020, it will automatically be renewed from the end of one calendar month to the end of the next calendar month unless terminated by the competent authority of one of the Contracting States at least one week before the beginning of the following calendar month by written notice to the competent authority of the other Contracting State.
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Signed an agreement with Luxembourg to avoid double taxation(...)Announced03/04/2020Policy details
The German Government signed an agreement with Luxembourg to avoid double taxation and prevent tax evasion of cross-border commuters between the two countries during COVID-19. It builds upon existing agreements for cross-border commuters but clarifies how tax authorities will deal with situations where people work from home, receive salary while not working or receive social insurance payments while not working.
The agreement refers to working days between 11 March 2019 and 30 April 2020. After 30 April 2020, it will automatically be renewed from the end of one calendar month to the end of the next calendar month unless terminated by the competent authority of one of the Contracting States at least one week before the beginning of the following calendar month by written notice to the competent authority of the other Contracting State.
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Compensated people for wage loss due to child care(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The German Government will provide income compensation for people who have to look after their own children because of school or daycare closures and cannot go to work.
The compensation will cover 67 percent of a person’s ordinary monthly income up to 2,016 euros for up to six weeks. The payment will be made by a person’s employer who can apply for reimbursement from the state authority.
To qualify, a parent must have to look after children under 12 years of age because care cannot be guaranteed elsewhere and the parent’s flexitime or overtime credits must have already been exhausted.
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Increased access to child allowance for families with low income(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
Families with low incomes can receive a monthly child allowance of up to 185 euros, depending on the family's income, housing costs, the size of the family and the age of the children.
From April onwards, families who apply for a child allowance will no longer have to prove the income of the last six months, but only that of the last month before the application. Asset tests have been temporarily suspended too.
The changes apply until 30 September 2020.
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Expanded short-time work compensation(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
If companies have to reduce the working hours of their employees due to supply bottlenecks or an officially ordered closure, employees can receive short-time work compensation. In this way, the Federal Employment Agency compensates part of their loss of earnings. The employer must apply for short-time work compensation.
With retroactive effect from March 1, access to short-time work compensation has been simplified: it is sufficient for a company to apply for short-time work if 10 percent of a company's employees are affected by lost work.
Previously, one third of the employees had to be affected. In addition, social security contributions are now fully reimbursed by the Federal Employment Agency.
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Increased access to and coverage of income security benefits(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The German Government has simplified access to basic income security benefits.
Anyone who submits an application between 1 March and 30 June 2020 and declares that they do not have substantial assets may keep any of their savings.
In addition, expenditure on housing and heating during the first six months of receipt of benefits will be recognised as appropriate at their full amount.
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Introduced incentives to start a second job in an essential industry if on short-time work(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The German Government has introduced incentives for workers to take on second jobs in essential industries, including healthcare, agriculture and the supply of food.
Earnings of people taking on a second job in one of these industries while in short-time work in their main job, will not be credited against their short-time work compensation.
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Increased how much people on government pension can earn in work income(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
Current law provides for restrictions if additional income is earned in addition to the pension. Instead of the previous 6,300 euros, 44,590 euros can now be earned in addition to the pension without the pension being reduced.
The policy is intended to allow people to provide support with their labour in the current situation.
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Relaxed requirements for social security contributions for short-term employment(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The German Government has extended the time limits for ‘minimal employment’ in the form of short-term employment to a maximum duration of five months or 115 days.
Previously, the limits were three months or 70 days.
‘Minimal employment’ describes employment where the monthly income does not exceed 450 Euros. Employees and employers in these cases do not have to pay a number of social security contributions.
The policy is intended to avoid problems with seasonal work, particularly in the agricultural sector as a result of the COVID-19 crisis.
India
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Issued income tax refunds early(...)Announced08/04/2020Policy details
The Government of India will issue pending income tax refunds up to Rs 5 lakh in order to help taxpayers.
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Extended deadlines for motor insurance and health policy holders(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance extended the renewal dates of health and motor insurance policies which fall in the period from 25 March to 14 April 2020.
The new renewal date was initially set at 21 April but was extended on 16 April to 15 May.
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Established a trust to receive public donations(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Government of India has set up a public charitable trust called ‘Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund’ (PM CARES Fund)’.
Donations will go toward dealing with the pandemic and providing relief to the affected.
Prime Minister Modi is the Chairman of this trust and its Members include Defence Minister, Home Minister and Finance Minister. The fund will enable micro-donations.
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Provided cash transfers to the poor(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Government of India announced a financial package of Rs 1.7 Lakh Crore (US$22 billion) focused on emergency cash transfers to the poor.
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Subsidised wages for employees in small businesses(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Government of India announced a scheme to subsidise the wages of employees earning below Rs 15,000 per month in businesses having less than 100 workers and who are at risk of losing their employment.
The government will pay 24 percent of the workers’ monthly wages into their PF accounts for three months.
This measure is aimed at preventing disruption in employment.
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Provided cash transfers to women(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Government of India will provide Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana women account-holders with an ex-gratia of Rs 500 per month for next three months.
The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana scheme is aimed at expanding access to financial services such as bank accounts, remittances, credit, insurance and pensions.
This measure is part of the PM Garib Kalyan Yojana scheme (Prime Minister's Poor Welfare Scheme), which allows people to declare unaccounted wealth in a confidential manner and avoid prosecution.
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Provided financial support to seniors, widows and disabled people(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Government of India will provide Rs 1,000 to aged widows and people in Divyang category who are vulnerable due to economic disruption caused by COVID-19.
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Provided early payments under support scheme for farmers(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Government of India will front-load the first instalment of Rs 2,000 due in 2020-21 to farmers under existing PM Kisan Yojana, which is a minimum income support scheme for farmers.
The first payment will now be paid in the first week of April 2020.
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Established fund to provide support to construction workers(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Government of India established a Building and Construction Workers Welfare Fund to provide financial assistance to construction workers.
State Governments will be given directions to utilise this fund to provide assistance and support to these workers to protect them against economic disruptions.
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Extended income tax return deadlines(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Government of India extended income tax return timeframes.
The last date for income tax returns for (FY2018-19) is extended from 31 March 2020 to 30 June.
Ireland
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Established a wage subsidy(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Irish Government created a temporary wage subsidy that will be available to employers who keep employees on payroll throughout the pandemic.
The policy is intended to preserve links between employers and employees for when business picks up after the crisis. It is part of the government’s €6.3 billion stimulus package.
The subsidy scheme will refund employers up to a maximum of €410 per each qualifying employee. Employers should pay no more than the normal weekly net pay of the employee. Employers make this payment to their employees through their normal payroll process.
Employers will then be reimbursed for amounts paid to employees and notified to Revenue via the payroll process.
In April, the scheme will move to a subsidy payment based on up to 70 percent of the normal net weekly pay for each employee to a maximum of €410.
To be eligible for the scheme the business must be experiencing significant negative economic disruption due to Covid-19, be able to demonstrate at least a 25 percent decline in turnover, be unable to pay normal wages and normal outgoings fully and retain their employees on the payroll.
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Established a welfare payment for people diagnosed with COVID-19 or required to self-isolate(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Irish Government established a welfare payment for people diagnosed with COVID-19 or required to self-isolate. Anyone diagnosed with COVID-19, or suspected of having COID-19 and required to self-isolate, will be eligible for an enhanced Illness Benefit payment of €350 per week.
This measure is part of the government’s €6.3 billion stimulus package.
To qualify, a person must be self-isolating on the instruction of a doctor or the HSE (Health Service Executive) or diagnosed with COVID-19 and be absent from work and confined to their home or a medical facility.
The enhanced Illness Benefit payment was originally set at a rate of €305 per week but was increased by the government on 24 March. The normal Illness Benefit rate is €203 per week.
The benefit will be paid for a maximum of two weeks where a person is self-isolating and for a maximum of 10 weeks if a person has been diagnosed with COVID-19. If a person has been certified for less than 10 weeks, they will be paid for the duration of their certificate.
Other changes have been made to the ordinary operation of the benefit for the purposes of COVID-19. A person will not have to wait 6 days before applying for the Illness Benefit, as is ordinarily required.
The normal social insurance requirements for Illness Benefit will be waived or the means test for Supplementary Welfare Allowance will be removed for people diagnosed with COVID-19, or required to self-isolate.
Self-employed people will be eligible for the Illness Benefit and Supplementary Welfare Allowance.
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Established an unemployment payment for people who lose their jobs because of COVID-19(...)Announced16/03/2020Policy details
The Irish Government established an unemployment payment for people who lose their jobs because of COVID-19, called the COVID-19 Pandemic Unemployment Payment.
The payment is paid at a flat rate of €350 per week. It was originally set at a rate of €203 but it was increased to €350 on 24 March. A person is eligible for the payment if they are aged between 18 and 66 years old and lost their job due to the COVID-19 pandemic or are self-employed and have ceased trading due to the pandemic.
The payment is also available to employees who have been temporarily laid off, asked to stay at home, or are not getting any money from their employer.
The scheme was initially partly delivered by employers, with a refund from the government.
Netherlands
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Provided advance payment to local authorities for support scheme for entrepreneurs(...)Announced08/05/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has provided a third advance payment totalling €550 million to local authorities, towards implementing its Temporary Bridging Scheme for Self-employed Entrepreneurs (Tozo).
The Government has allocated €3.8 billion to fund the scheme, and to date has provided € 2.0 billion in advance to local authorities to implement the scheme. Reviews are being done every three weeks to determine whether additional advance payments are necessary based on the number of applications being submitted under the scheme.
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Relaxed eligibility criteria for income support for self-employed professionals(...)Announced24/04/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has extended the category of self-employed professionals eligible to apply for its 'Temporary Bridging Scheme for Independent Entrepreneurs' (Tozo). Those who live in the Netherlands, but have businesses established in another European Union (EU) country can now apply for income support under the Tozo scheme.
Those who live elsewhere in the EU, but have businesses in the Netherlands, as well as self-employeed professionals eligible for state pensions, can now apply for low-interest business loans under the scheme. Applications are open until 31 May 2020.
The Tozo scheme is aimed at compensating self-employed professionals who expect to earn less than the minimum wage (for the period 1 March to 31 August 2020) as a result of COVID-19. Those who are married or codependent can recieve €1500 net a month for a maximum of three months, while those who are single can get €1050. Those facing cash-flow problems can also request a three year loan of up to €10,517 at an interest rate of 2 percent, with repayments from January 2021.
The government has allocated €3.8 billion to fund the scheme and is providing local authorities €250 million in advance to enable its implementation.
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Launched online platform to help people find work in much high need sectors(...)Announced23/04/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has launched an online platform (www.NLwerktdoor.nl) to help match employers with people who have become unemployed as a result of COVID-19. The platform is a collaborative effort with employer organisations, unions, education centres and local government authorities, and has recieved 20,000 registrations already.
The online platform has been established to address difficulties businesses are facing to recruit additional personnel, particularly in healthcare, logistics, agriculture and horticulture sectors. At the same time, the platform seeks to provide assistance to people who cannot find employment, despite being capable and willing to work. At the end of March, a total of 250,000 people registered for the unemployment benefit, an increase of 10,000 compared to February.
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Relaxed eligibility criteria for wage subsidy(...)Announced22/04/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has eased the criteria for businesses applying for its 'Temporary Emergency Bridging Measure for Sustained Employment' or NOW (Noodfonds Overbrugging Werkgelegenheid) scheme. Previously, only businesses who expected to lose at least 20 percent or more in turnover from 1 March 2020, could apply for compensation under the scheme to help pay their employees’ wages for up to 6 months.
The Government is now allowing businesses who don't meet this criteria to also apply. This takes into account that some businesses have operating branches that have come to a complete or partial standstill due to the Corona crisis, but may not meet the 20 percent loss in turnover required to be eligible for the scheme.
Under the scheme, businesses can claim up to 90 percent of wages, depending on how much turnover they lose. However there are certain conditions that businesses must met, including additional audits, agreements with unions about job preservation, and refraining from paying dividends or bonuses, or repurchasing own shares for 2020.
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Increased funding for income support for self-employed professionals(...)Announced17/04/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has provided an additional €1.2 billion to local authorities to ensure implementation of its Temporary Bridging Scheme for Independent Entrepreneurs (Tozo).
The scheme is aimed at compensating self-employed professionals who expect to earn less than the minimum wage (currently €1,653.60 per month for people over the age of 21) over the next three months as a result of COVID-19.
The government has allocated €3.8 billion to fund the scheme. In late March 2020, local authorities recieved €250 million in advance from the Government to implement the Tozo scheme. The €1.2 billion is a second advance payment for local authorities towards the scheme.
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Established a wage subsidy(...)Announced31/03/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government established a subsidy businesses pay employee wages under a new Temporary Emergency Bridging Measure for Sustained Employment or NOW (Noodfonds Overbrugging Werkgelegenheid) scheme.
Businesses who expect to lose at least 20 percent or more in turnover from 1 March 2020 or onwards can apply for compensation under the scheme to help pay their employees’ wages for up to 6 months. Businesses can claim up to 90 percent of wages, depending on how much turnover they lose.
The scheme replaces the Unemployment Benefit During Short-time Working (WTV or Werktijdverkorting), which was cancelled on 17 March 2020. People who already applied for the WTV permit, will automatically be considered under the new NOW scheme.
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Established wage subsidy for businesses in the Carribean Netherlands(...)Announced28/03/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government established a temporary subsidy scheme to prevent unemployment and absorb the loss of income suffered by businesses in Bonaire, Saba and Sint Eustatius.
Under the scheme, businesses with a loss in turnover of at least 20 percent, can get financial support to pay their employees. Businesses can recieve up to 80 percent of their labour costs for three months (effective from 13 March 2020). This amount must be passed on to their employees as wages. People who are self-employed but no longer have work because of COVID-19, can also apply.
To date, over two thousand businesses have applied for the scheme, and half have already recieved payments to support their employees.
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Provided income support for self-employed professionals(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
Self-employed professionals can now apply for extra income support from local authorities under the Government’s Temporary Bridging Scheme for Independent Entrepreneurs (Tozo) for the period from 1 March to 1 June 2020. The temporary scheme is aimed at compensating self-employed professionals who expect to earn less than the minimum wage (currently €1,653.60 per month for people over the age of 21) over the next three months as a result of COVID-19.
Those facing cash-flow problems can also request a three year loan of up to €10,517 at an interest rate of 2 percent, with repayments from January 2021.
The government has allocated €3.8 billion to fund the scheme and is providing local authorities €250 million in advance to enable its implementation.
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Refunded parents for childcare payments(...)Announced16/03/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has announced a payback scheme for all parents who have paid for childcare, but are temporarily unable to use such services due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
Parents in the Netherlands are required to pay a personal contribution towards subsidised childcare as part of their income. The Government has agreed to compensate parents for their personal childcare contributions made over the period of 16 March to 28 April 2020.
This affects approximately 570,000 households, contributing €100 to more than €250 a month.
Compensation will be paid to 3,500 childcare organisations to refund parents will be reimbursed for their personal childcare contributions from June 2020.
The Government has allocated €175 million for the refund scheme.
New Zealand
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Changed parental leave rules to allow essential workers to return to work without disadvantage(...)Announced05/05/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government changed parental leave rules to allow workers entitled to parental leave to temporarily return to work to assist in the response to COVID-19 without being disadvantaged by losing entitlements to leave and payments.
Workers who return to work where they cannot reasonably be replaced by another person, or where there is higher than usual demand for workers doing their role, will be able to keep their leave entitlement while returning to work.
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Implemented protections against predatory lending(...)Announced30/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government, as part of a package of COVID-19 tax and regulatory measures, fast-tracked previously planned measures to protect people against predatory lending.
The new rules will mean that borrowers will never have to pay back more than 100 per cent of the loan principal, compound interest on high-cost loans will be banned, and default fees will generally be limited to $30.
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Established new employment services to assist people to find work(...)Announced28/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government established a range of new employment services to assist unemployed people to find work.
The services include an online recruitment tool, online courses and 35 new employment centres.
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Extended pension and benefit payments to New Zealanders stuck overseas(...)Announced17/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government relaxed rules concerning the payment of pensions and welare entitlements to people overseas to ensure New Zealanders who are unable to return home will receive income.
Ordinarily, payments cease when a person leaves New Zealand. The change will remain in place for six months.
As at 17 April 2020, there were 764 superannuitants and 1,871 beneficiaries overseas with suspended payments.
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Relaxed student loan rules(...)Announced14/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government increased the amount that students can borrow on government-provided student loans.
Temporarily, students will be allowed to borrow NZ$2,000 for course related costs, rather than NZ$1,000 which is the ordinary yearly limit.
Students will be able to continue to receive other student loan payments as normal for the four weeks of COVID-19 alert level 4, essentially a lockdown, and four weeks afterwards.
The government also made technical changes to student loan rules to ensure that fee refunds do not affect future entitlement to student loans, and that students unable to complete courses in 2020 due to COVID-19 do not lose their entitlement to fees-free tertiary study.
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Provided payments for essential workers who must take leave from work because of COVID-19(...)Announced03/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government established a scheme to pay essential workers who take leave from work to comply with public health guidance. Money will be paid to employers of essential workers on leave at a rate of NZ$535.80 per week for a full time employee and NZ$350 per week for a part time employee. The employer will pay that money to the employee on leave. Essential workers will be eligible for the payment if they are self-isolating and unable to work from home or they or a member of their household are at higher risk were they to contract COVID-19 (for example, if they are over 70 years of age).
The employer must pay either the employees normal rate of pay if it is less than the government payment or the entire government payment, in which case the employer must make best endeavours to pay at least 80 per cent of the employees usual income.
The scheme will continue for at least the period of time that the COVID-19 Level 4 alert is in place, and will be reviewed after eight weeks.
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Relaxed welfare payment rules(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government removed restrictions on emergency benefits. Emergency benefits can now be granted to people not previously entitled to them, including temporary workers. The requirement that a claim for a benefit be inquired into before a benefit is granted was also removed.
The change has been enabled by the declaration of an epidemic under New Zealand’s public health law.
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Increased wage subsidy to businesses and self-employed people(...)Announced23/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government will increase the coverage of the wage subsidy to businesses and self-employed people who are economically affected by COVID19.
When first announced, the subsidy was capped at NZ$150,000 per business. The cap was removed on 25 March 2020. The subsidy will be worth NZ$585.80 per week per full-time employee, and NZ$350 per week per part-time employee. The subsidy will be paid in a lump sum to cover a period of 12 weeks.
Businesses who receive the subsidy must undertake to keep employees in employment for the duration of the subsidy and make best efforts to pay them a minimum of 80 percent of their normal income.Where an employer is unable to pay 80 percent of the worker’s former income, the employer must pass on at least the whole value of the wage subsidy to the worker. If the worker’s former income was less than the subsidy, they should be paid their former income and the excess applied towards paying other workers 80 percent of their former income.
The subsidy is intended to avoid job losses and bankruptcy of businesses. It is estimated to cost between NZ$9 billion and NZ$12 billion.
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Established a wage subsidy to businesses and self-employed people(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government will pay a wage subsidy to businesses and self-employed people who are economically affected by COVID19. The payment will be worth NZ$585 per week per full-time employee, and NZ$350 week per part-time employee, up to a total of NZ$150,000 per business. The subsidy will be paid in a lump sum to cover a period of 12 weeks.
Businesses who receive the subsidy are obliged to make best efforts to retain employees and pay them a minimum of 80 per cent of their normal income for the subsidised period.
The subsidy is intended to avoid job losses and bankruptcy of businesses. The subsidy is estimated to cost NZ$5.1 billion.
A searchable list of recipients of the wage subsidy is published on the internet.
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Increased welfare payments by NZ$25 per person per week(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government will increase all main benefit payments by NZ$25 per week from 1 April 2020. The increase will be permanent.
The increase is intended to stimulate the economy and support vulnerable people. This and the other welfare changes announced on 17 March 2020 are expected to cost NZ$2.8 billion over four years.
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Increased coverage of tax credit for families(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government will lower eligibility requirements for a tax credit for families, known as the In Work Tax Credit. Parents previously had to work a certain number of hours per week for a family to receive the tax credit. The hours requirement will be removed from 1 July 2020.
The change is intended to assist people whose hours of employment may increasingly vary and is expected to affect 19,000 low-income families. This and the other welfare changes announced on 17 March 2020 are expected to cost NZ$2.8 billion over four years.
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Established a payment to people who are unable to work during self-isolation or sickness(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government will pay people who are unable to work because they are in self-isolation, are sick, or are caring for dependents who are in either of those situations. The payment will be made through employers, or directly to self-employed people. A full-time worker will be eligible for NZ$585 per week.
The payment is not available for people who are able to work from home. Employers must sign a declaration that they meet the criteria to receive the payment. The payment is estimated to cost NZ$126 million.
On 27 March 2020, following the direction for all non-essential workers to remain at home, the government cancelled the payment scheme because it was designed for a time when fewer workers were in isolation. The government announced that a sick leave scheme specific to essential workers would be developed soon.
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Provided funding for redeployment of workers from struggling industries(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government provided NZ$100 million funding to redeploy workers from struggling industries in alternative employment for three to six months.
The first funds were allocated to redeploying forestry workers in Gisborne-Tairāwhiti. Alternative employment includes work on local roading work, hazardous tree removal, tree planting projects, conservation activities, or undertaking retraining and educational opportunities.
Subsequent funds were allocated to jobs in biosecurity and conservation projects.
Pakistan
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Provided loans to businesses for wages(...)Announced10/04/2020Policy details
The State Bank of Pakistan introduced a temporary refinance scheme for businesses to support the employment of workers during the pandemic.
The scheme will provide financing for wages and salaries expenses for three months from April to June 2020 for businesses which do not lay off their employees for the three months.
The mark-up on the loans will be up to five percent. Borrowers on the active taxpayers list can get loans at a reduced mark-up rate of four percent.
Businesses with a three month wage and salary expense of Rs200 million or less will receive the full amount of their expense in financing.
Businesses with a wage and salary expense of Rs200 million to 500 million will receive up to 75 percent of their three months’ salary and wage expense. Business with a wage and salary expense greater than Rs500 million will receive up to 50 percent of their expense.
A grace period of six months would be allowed to the borrowers while the repayment of the principal amount would be made in two years.
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Provided soft loans to industries that retain their workers(...)Announced31/03/2020Policy details
The State Bank of Pakistan announced that it would provide soft loans to industries that do not lay off their workers and continue to pay them their monthly salaries.
A soft loan is a loan with a below-market rate of interest.
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Established relief fund to collect donations from the public(...)Announced30/03/2020Policy details
Prime Minister Imran Khan established the Coronavirus Relief Fund to help those who have been made destitute by the country's lockdown measures.
The fund will accept donations from the public from 1 April. Those who make a donation will receive tax relief.
Funds will be used to provide food and cash to those in need.
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Increased borrowing limits for individuals(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The State Bank of Pakistan has relaxed the debt burden ratio for consumer loans from 50 percent to 60 precent.
The debt burden ratio refers to a person's capacity to bear the burden of debt, whcih limits their ability to borrow from banks.
This measure will allow about 2.3 million individuals to borrow more from banks.
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Deferred loan payments(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
Banks and DFIs will defer the payment of principal on loans and advances by one year.
To benefit from this relaxation, borrowers must submit a written request to the banks before 30 June 2020.
The deferment of principal will not affect a borrower's credit history and such facilities will also not be reported as restructured/rescheduled in the credit bureau's data.
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Relaxed regulatory criteria for restructuring loans(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The State Bank of Pakistan has relaxed the regulatory criteria for restructuring and rescheduling loans.
Loans re-scheduled or restructured within 180 days from the due date of payment will not be treated as defaults. Banks would also not be required to suspend the unrealized mark-up against such loans.
The timeline for classification of trade bills has also been extended from 180 days to 365 days.
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Provided lump sum stipend to low income groups(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Pakistan Government will provide a lump sum stipend for low-income groups, through the Ehsaas Cash Distribution Programme. Eligible people will receive Rs3,000 a month for four months.
A total of Rs144 billion will be provided under the package, which is estimated to cover ten million people.
Funds will be distributed through two designated banks, as well as distribution camps across the country. Eligible people will receive an SMS telling them where and when they will get their stipend.
This policy is part of the RS1.25 trillion economic package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan on 24 March 2020 aimed at absorbing the adverse impacts of the pandemic.
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Set aside funds for workers who lose their job(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Pakistan Government announced Rs200 billion for daily wage workers and labourers who lose work or see a reduction in employment opportunities.
This support will be distributed after consultation with the provinces.
Peru
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Established subsidy for poor households in rural areas(...)Announced19/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Peru authorized a monetary subsidy of S / 760 in favor of households in poverty or extreme poverty in rural areas.
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Allowed workers to make withdrawals from pension funds(...)Announced13/04/2020Policy details
No further details are recorded for this policy. Refer to the citations below for more information.
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Allowed for workers to be suspended from work(...)Announced13/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Peru will allow for “suspension perfecta de labores", under which a worker continues to be employed and continues to receive health insurance, but is not expected to work and the employer is not expected to pay them. This is allowed for up to 90 days.
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Established wage subsidy(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Peru established a subsidy for 35% of gross salary for employees who earn up to S1,500 monthly. Only certain businesses eligible and the program has S 600 million budget.
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Allowed people to withdraw money from private pension funds(...)Announced06/04/2020Policy details
The The Superintendency of Banking, Insurance and Private Pension Fund Administrators (SBS) Private pension fund members can withdraw S / 2,000 from their pension fund
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Provided a payment to informal and self-employed workers(...)Announced23/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Peru provided a S 380 payment to informal and self-employed workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Russia
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Declared a paid holiday from 28 March to 5 April(...)Announced28/03/2020Policy details
President Vladimir Putin declared a nationwide paid holiday from 28 March to 5 April 2020.
Saudi Arabia
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Directed banks to postpone payments of all financing products for Saudi workers registered for social insurance(...)Announced23/04/2020Policy details
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority has directed banks to postpone payments on all financing products for a period of three months without any additional costs or fees for Saudi workers who are registered/covered in support according to the unemployment insurance system (SAND).
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Directed banks to extend the validity of ATM cards(...)Announced12/04/2020Policy details
The Saudi Arabian Monetary Authority (SAMA) directed banks to extend the validity of ATM cards that have expired or are about to expire.
SAMA also directed banks not to suspend individuals’ bank accounts.
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Subsidies wages of private sector employees(...)Announced03/04/2020Policy details
King Salman Bin Abdulaziz ordered that the General Organization for Social Insurance (GOSI) pay 60% of 60% of the registered wage in (GOSI) for a duration of 3 months, at a maximum of SR9000 monthly, with a total value of SR9 billion.
The compensation will cover 100% of Saudis working in establishments with five Saudi workers or less. It also covers 70% of Saudis working in establishments with over five Saudi workers or more.
The order stipulated that firms must continue to pay wages for Saudi and non-Saudi workers that were not included in the compensation.
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Deferred tax payments(...)Announced20/03/2020Policy details
The General Authority of Zakat and Tax (GAZT) has declared that the payment of value-added tax, excise tax, income tax, and the submission of Zakat declarations and the payment of obligations can be postponed for three months.
GAZT will also grant zakat certificates without the 2019 fiscal year restrictions, and will accept instalment requests without applying the condition of advance payment.
GAZT will also postpone the execution of services suspension procedures and financial seizures.
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Increased support to small to medium enterprises and limited income families(...)Announced20/03/2020Policy details
The Social Development Bank has launched a SAR 12 billion program to cushion the economic impact of COVID-19 on family based small to medium enterprises and limited income families.
Support for low income families will increase by 4 billion riyadh.
2 billion riyals is allocated for the support of small and micro- enterprises.
2 billion riyals is allocated for the support of small health care centers.
2 billion riyals is allocated for funding 50 thousand small establishments to support local content in all regions of the Kingdom.
Grace period for payments is extended for all projects that were funded during 2019 and 2020 for 6 months, bringing the total value of the deferred premiums to 2 billion riyals.
Singapore
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Deferred personal income tax payments for self-employed people(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Singapore Government will defer personal income tax for all self-employed persons. Self-employed persons will be granted an automatic three-month deferment of their personal income tax payments due in the months of May, June, and July 2020. These payments will instead be collected in August, September, and October 2020.
This measure was announced as part of the government’s Resilience Budget.
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Provided a wage subsidy(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Singapore Government will co-fund the first $4,600 of gross monthly wages for each local employee for nine months.
There are three levels of co-funding for employers in different sectors.
For employers in the aviation and tourism industry, the government will provide 75% of the first $4,600 of gross monthly wages per local employee. For employers in the food services sector, the government will provide 50% of the first $4,600 of gross monthly wages per local employee. For all other sectors, the government will provide 25% of the first $4,600 of gross monthly wages per local employee.
This measure was introduced as part of the government’s Stabilisation and Support Package, and is intended to help enterprises retain their local employees during the pandemic.
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Enhanced wage credit scheme(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Singapore Government will enhance the Wage Credit Scheme.
The Wage Credit Scheme, introduced in 2013, involves the Singapore Government cofunding a proportion of wage increases for employees who earn below a certain threshold. The government has raised the gross monthly wage ceiling to from $4,000 to $5,000 for the years 2019 and 2020. The level of co-funding has been set as 20% of qualifying wage increases in 2019 and 15% of qualifying wage increases in 2020.
South Africa
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Announced second and third phases of economic response(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa announced the second and third phases of its economic response to COVID 19 pandemic.
Phase 1 began in mid March 2020 and included tax relief, release of disaster relief funds, emergency procurement and wage support.
Phase 2 is intended to stabilise the economy and address the decline in supply and demand.
This includes a social and economic relief support package of R500 billion (10% of GDP). R130 billion within the current budget will be reprioritised, and the rest will be raised from local sources and global partners and finance institutions.
Phase 3 is to be implemented to drive the economy as the country emerges from the pandemic.
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Increased social security payments(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa announced measures to provide relief for social distress as part of the second phase of its economic response to the virus.
R50 billion is directed toward a six month coronavirus grant for vulnerable families. This increases child support grants by R300 in May and R500 from June to October. All other grant beneficiaries will receive an extra R250 per month for six months.
The government also announced a new Covid-19 social relief of distress grant of R350 per month for six month for unemployed individuals who do not recieve other grants.
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Established fund to protect and create jobs(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa announced that as part of the second phase of economic response to the virus an additional R100 billion will be set aside for the protection of jobs and to create jobs.
R40 billion has been set aside for income support payments for workers who are not able to pay their wages.
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Provided additional tax relief measures(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa announced new tax relief measures as part of the second phase of the government's economic response to the coronavirus.
A four month holiday for companies skills development levy contribution, fast tracked VAT refunds and 3 month delay for filing first payment of carbon tax.
Increased turnover threshold for tax deferrals is being increased to R100 million per year and PAYE deferral increased to 35%.
Businesses with a turnover of more than R100 million a year can apply to South African Revenue Service on a case-by-case basis for deferals of their tax payments.
Tax payers who donated to the solidarity fund will be able to claim up to 10% of their taxable income.
Deferals on the payment of excise taxes on alcoholic beverages and tobacco products.
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Relaxed requirements to access Unemployment Insurance Fund(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The Unemployment Insurance Fund relaxed its processes to minimise physical contact during the lockdown.
Claims will be paid to clients without mandatory source documents for those clients already receiving payment benefits.
An SMS service was implemented for clients to confirm their unemployment status, rather than requiring them to visit a labour centre to sign a continuation form.
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Funded humanitarian relief for vulnerable households(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa set aside R400 Million in funding for humanitarian relief for vulnerable households. This will be supplemented by additional funds from the Solidarity fund.
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Streamlined approach to pay outs of unemployment insurance funds(...)Announced28/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa has established a system of paying funds from the Unemployment Insurance Fund to reduce the total number of applications.
Funds will be paid to employers, sectoral associations, and bargaining councils, rather than employees as is normally the case. Employers will then pay out the benefit to employees.
The Unemployment Insurance Fund has set aside R40 billion to help employees who will be unable to work, as part of the effort to prevent job losses as a result of the lockdown.
Businesses that are considering, or have decided on, short term shutdowns will be eligible for the short term Unemployment Insurance Fund benefit, provided they register with the Fund. This means employers are required to opt into the fund, and payments made from the fund are subject to memorandums of understanding, rather than overarching government law or policy.
All funds paid out under this measure will be subject to government audit.
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Increased income support payments(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa a range of income support grants, effective from 1 April.
Grants for older persons and disability grants increased to R1,860. Grants for war veterans and older persons older than 75 years increased to R1,880. Foster child grants increased to R1,040 per child. Care dependency grants increased to R1,860. Child support grants increased to R440 per child.
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Established fund for public donations for COVID-19 relief measures(...)Announced23/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa established a solidarity fund, into which businesses, organisations and people can donate money.
The fund will complement action taken by the government to stop the spread of COVID-19. It will support efforts to combat the spread of the virus, track the spread, care for those who are ill, and support those whose lives are disrupted.
The fund will be administered by a team drawn from financial institutions, accounting firms and the government. All expenditure will be published on the fund's website.
The Government has provided R150 million as an initial donation to the Fund.
On 9 April the fund allocated R1 billion for purchasing sterile gloves, face shields, surgical masks, test kits and ventilators.
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Exempted banks from competition laws to enable coordinated debt relief(...)Announced23/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa has exempted commercial banks from ordinary competition laws.
The measure is aimed at enabling banks to coordinate approaches to debt relief and similar measures for businesses and people experiencing financial stress.
In particular, banks will be able to coordinate approaches to payment holidays and debt relief, limitations on asset repossessions, and the extension of credit lines.
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Provided tax subsidies to certain working people(...)Announced23/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa is providing a tax subsidy of R500 per month for four months to private sector employees earning below R6,500 under the Employment Tax Incentive. This measure is estimated to assist 4 million workers.
The South African Revenue Service will also make tax reimbursements on a monthly basis, instead of doing so twice a year.
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Reduced required employer contributions to unemployment insurance fund(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa will allow some distressed businesses not to pay into the Unemployment Insurance Fund. This measure aims to keep operating costs low for businesses so that workers are not laid off.
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Implemented Disaster Relief Fund(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa activated R96 million under the Disaster Relief Fund. The purpose of the fund is to provide immediate assistance to families and individuals affected by COVID-19.
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Provided special leave to employees who need to self-quarantine for 14 days(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa advised businesses that where an employee must self-quarantine for 14 days, the employee will be entitled to special leave.
Both employer and employee must provide written confirmation that the special leave was agreed to.
South Korea
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Introduced wage subsidies for US Forces Korea employees(...)Announced01/05/2020Policy details
Korea’s National Assembly passed legislation in support of furloughed employees at U.S. Forces Korea.
The new law will support 4000 South Korean employees who have been placed on unpaid leave since April 1, allocating between 1.8 million Korean won (USD 1475) to 1.98 million won per month per employee. This covers approximately 60 percent of the employees’ average monthly wage.
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Announced additional relief package for businesses and individuals(...)Announced22/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy and Finance announced an additional financial relief package aimed at businesses and individuals. This includes an additional 75 trillion won liquidity injection, on top of the 100 trillion won previously allocated at the 2nd Emergency Economic Council meeting.
Of the 75 trillion won infusion, 35 trillion will be allocated for businesses, and 40 trillion will provide added liquidity to select cash-strapped industries, including the airline, automotive, shipping, and oil refinery industries.
The program also allocates 10.1 trillion won in subsidies and unemployment benefits, of which 0.9 trillion won will go toward small business wage subsidies; 1.9 trillion won to unemployment relief; 3.6 trillion won for the job creation for low-income and young adult groups; and 3.7 trillion won in job seeker benefits and job training.
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Expanded childcare leave support(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The Korean government announced that it would expand its childcare leave support program.
Up to 10 days of childcare leave and 500,000 won of support will be provided to a total of 120,000 parents, an increase from up to 5 days and 250,000 won previously offered to 90,000 parents.
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Provided wage support and job search promotion subsidies for freelancers and the self-employed(...)Announced30/03/2020Policy details
The Korean government provided a monthly subsidy of 500,000 won (US$400) to freelancers and self-employed workers throughout Korea for up to two months, beginning in April 2020.
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Offered emergency relief payments for households(...)Announced30/03/2020Policy details
The Korean government is offering emergency relief payments worth 9.1 trillion won (US$7.4 billion) for all households except the richest 30 percent. Amounts paid will vary depending on household size, with a four-person household receiving one million won (US$800).
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Relaxed requirements on mandatory social security payments(...)Announced30/03/2020Policy details
The Korean government introduced relaxed requirements for national health care payments for the bottom 40 percent of income earners, and the bottom 50 percent of income earners in areas most affected by COVID-19.
Those eligible will see their national health care contributions reduced by 30 percent for the next three months.
Contributions to the national pension fund will not be suspended, but wage earners will be able to defer their payments over the next 60 months.
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Offered zero-interest loans for construction workers(...)Announced30/03/2020Policy details
The Korean government offered zero-interest loans of up to 2 million won (US$1617) to 87,000 construction workers affected by construction suspensions and layoffs due to COVID-19.
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Introduced broad wage support measures for businesses(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The Korean government expanded its previously-announced wage subsidy plan from 100 billion won (US$80.8 million) to 500 billion won (US$400.3 million).
Spain
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Reinforced protection for fixed-discontinuous workers(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
This policy was announced as part of a package of measures to protect workers.
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Provided unemployment benefits for people who lost their job in a trial period due to COVID-19(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
This policy was announced as part of a package of measures to protect workers.
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Cancelled some labour inspection deadlines and reinforced penalties for companies that submit fraudulent ERTE reports(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
This policy was announced as part of a package of measures to protect workers.
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Allowed temporary employees to receive unemployment benefit(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Spain allowed temporary employees who have lost their jobs following the declaration of a state of emergency (since 14 March) to be beneficiaries of an unemployment benefit of around 430 euro per month.
To be eligible, the temporary employment contract must have been for at least two months.
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Delayed some social security payments(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
Payment of social security debts by companies and self-employed workers are deferred if they were due to be paid between April and June 2020, provided that the individual had no other postponement in force.
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Required non-essential workers to take recoverable paid leave(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Government of Spain required all workers in non-essential services to take recoverable paid leave between 30 March and 9 April 2020.
The above obligation does not apply to workers in essential services, workers hired by companies that have applied for or implemented temporary layoff procedures, workers on leave due to temporary incapacity or whose contracts have been suspended on other grounds provided by law, or workers who are able to perform their normal work from home or using any other form of remote working.
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Prohibited termination of employment contracts due to impact of COVID-19(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Government of Spain prohibited the termination of employment contracts on the basis of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business activities.
Sweden
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Redirected funds to support unemployed people and those with reduced working hours(...)Announced17/04/2020Policy details
The EU decided on the 30th of March to allow member states to redirect up to 4 percent of their contributions to the European Social Fund to domestic programs.
The Swedish Government decided to redirect SEK 298 million of these funds towards grants aimed at helping unemployed or underemployed people to upskill or in other ways strengthen their individual position in the employment market.
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Created scheme to support short term reductions in working hours(...)Announced16/03/2020Policy details
The Swedish Government expanded a programme that partially finances short term reductions in working hours of employees.
An employee and employer can agree to reduce the employee’s working hours by 20-80 percent while keeping the employee’s salary at 88-96 percent of their full-time salary.
Normally the difference in cost is shared equally between the employer and the government, but the new programme expands the support from the government to 75 percent of the cost.
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Reduced time required to access paid sick leave(...)Announced13/03/2020Policy details
The Swedish Social Insurance Agency made statutory sick pay available from the first day of sickness, instead of the second day, as a temporary measure.
The Agency also decided to not to require medical certificates until the 14th day of sick-leave.
Additionally, the Swedish Government committed to temporarily finance all sick-leave payments for March and April. Under normal circumstances, companies would pay for employees’ sick-leave up until the 14th day of sick-leave.
Taiwan
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Permitted delayed payment of taxes(...)Announced16/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Finance is allowing people and companies in Taiwan whose ability to pay taxes has been affected by the outbreak to either apply for an extension of up to one year or pay their taxes over the course of 36 months.
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Offered compensation to quarantined individuals(...)Announced11/03/2020Policy details
The Central Epidemic Command Center is paying individuals subject to quarantine a stipend of US$33.33 for each day of their 14-day quarantines. Those on paid leave or who violate quarantine regulations are not eligible to receive compensation.
Thailand
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Increased disability payments(...)Announced28/04/2020Policy details
Cabinet approved additional financial assistance of B1,000 to registered persons with disabilities to assist with the effects of the COVID-19 crisis.
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Reduced and deferred mandatory employee and employer contributions to social security fund(...)Announced20/04/2020Policy details
The Social Security Board implemented a reduction in the mandatory contributions to social security funds, reducing employer contributions to 5%, and employee contributions to 4%.
The Board also announced a deferral of all contributions for March, April and May by three months, with contributions resuming July 15.
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Increased payments to workers who have lost work due to COVID-19(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
The Social Security Board increased the amount that workers affected by forced government closures are entitled to under its wage support programme.
Workers can now claim up to 62 percent of their lost wages, up from the initial 50 percent.
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Provided paid vocational training for furloughed workers(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The Office of the Vocational Education Commission announced a state-sponsored vocational training program to support up to 100,000 furloughed workers re-skill to help find new jobs.
Participants will be paid to take part in the program.
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Provided loans to furloughed informal workers(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The Department of Employment will provide B5.2 million in loans to informal workers registered under the Department's Soft Loan programme.
Loans will be offered at 3 percent yearly interest, ranging from B50,000 to B300,000 per person over a five year loan period.
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Extended low interest emergency loans for individuals(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
Cabinet approved the extension through state banking facilities of emergency low-interest loans for individuals.
This measure was announced as part of the second phase of the Thai Government’s economic stimulus programme, totalling B117 billion.
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Lowered interest rates for state-owned pawn shops(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
This measure was announced as part of the second phase of the Thai Government’s economic stimulus programme, totalling B117 billion.
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Extended personal income tax deadline(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
Cabinet extended the personal income tax deadline to 30 August.
This measure was announced as part of the second phase of the Thai Government’s economic stimulus programme, totalling B117 billion.
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Provided direct cash payments to informal workers(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
Cabinet approved an expansion of social security payments to 3 million Thais not covered by the Social Security Fund, with a monthly grant of B5,000 until June 30, 2020.
The payments were part of the second phase of stimulus and targeted informal workers: temporary employees, contract employees and self-employed individuals not covered by the Social Security Fund.
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Provided income support to workers who have lost work due to COVID-19(...)Announced20/03/2020Policy details
The Social Security Board confirmed a payment program for workers affected by COVID-19 shutdown. All support applies retrospectively to workers affected since March 1.
Workers who lost their jobs or have been suspended because their employers have folded can claim up to 50 percent of their wages, up to a limit of B15,000 per month for a maximum of up to 180 days.
For employees whose employers have stopped operating by reason of the government’s order to temporarily close operations, the same B15,000 limit applies, but only for a maximum of 60 days.
Employees forced to resign can claim 45 percent of their wages, up to B15,000 for a 90 day period.
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Reduced the withholding tax rate(...)Announced10/03/2020Policy details
This measure was announced as part of the first phase of the Thai Government’s B400 billion economic stimulus programme.
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Subsidised some employee’s salaries(...)Announced10/03/2020Policy details
This measure was announced as part of the first phase of the Thai Government’s B400 billion economic stimulus programme.
United Kingdom
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Extended wage subsidy(...)Announced17/04/2020Policy details
The UK Government extended its Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme by one month to the end of June.
The scheme, which allows firms to furlough employees with the government paying cash grants of 80% of their wages up to a maximum of £2,500, now runs from 1 March to 30 June.
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Extended wage subsidy eligibility dates(...)Announced15/04/2020Policy details
The UK Government announced that the eligibility date for the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme has been extended from 28 February to 19 March.
The scheme allows employers to be paid for 80 percent of the usual monthly wages of an employee who is on leave due to COVID-19, up to £2,500 a month, plus the associated employer pension contributions on that wage.
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Suspended recovery of benefit overpayments(...)Announced03/04/2020Policy details
The UK Government paused the recovery of benefit overpayments for three months.
Deductions for the recovery of Universal Credit and legacy benefit overpayments, Social Fund loans and Tax Credit debts will be paused.
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Relaxed annual leave rules(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government changed laws to allow workers who have not taken all of their annual leave entitlement due to COVID-19 to carry it over into the next two years.
Previously, workers would lose any leave not taken within a year, and employers could be penalised if workers did not take their leave entitlement.
The change is intended to allow people to keep working in the national effort against COVID-19 without losing their leave entitlement.
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Increased tax credits and welfare payments(...)Announced20/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government increased working tax credits and universal credit, a welfare payment, by £1,045 to £3,040 per year. The amount a person gets depends on their circumstances. In some cases, the change will amount to £20 a week.
The government has also increased the housing benefit so that the local housing allowance will pay for at least 30% of market rents in each area.
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Suspended face-to-face health assessments for sickness and disability welfare payments(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government suspended face-to-face assessments for all sickness and disability benefits. Payments of Personal Independence Payment, Employment and Support Allowance, Universal Credit or Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit will continue as normal.
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Established a wage subsidy for workers on leave due to COVID-19(...)Announced11/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government established a wage subsidy, called the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme, which came into effect on 20 March.
Employers can be paid for 80 percent of the usual monthly wages of an employee who is on leave due to COVID-19, up to £2,500 a month, plus the associated employer pension contributions on that wage, backdated to March 1 2020.
The employer must pay the employee all the money received under the subsidy, and may choose to top up the employee’s payment above 80 percent of their regular wage.
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Provided funding to local authorities to reduce taxes on vulnerable people(...)Announced11/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government set aside £500 million for local authorities to reduce council taxes on vulnerable individuals and households.
Working age people receiving Local Council Tax Support — an existing tax reduction scheme for people on low incomes or welfare benefits — will be eligible for further reductions in council tax.
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Established a grant for self-employed people who have lost income due to COVID-19(...)Announced11/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government established a grant for self-employed people who have lost income due to COVID-19 of 80 percent of a recipient’s trading profits up to a maximum of £2,500 per month for three months.
The grant is only available for self-employed people who self-employed trading profits are less than £50,000, and account for more than half the person’s income.
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Reduced time required to access paid sick leave(...)Announced04/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government’s Department of Work and Pensions made statutory sick pay available from the first day of sickness, instead of the fourth day, as a temporary measure. Statutory sick pay is paid by employers.
United States
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Provided special payroll tax credit to closed or struggling businesses(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress issued a special refundable tax credit for all closed or struggling businesses in order to keep the employees on payroll, as part of phase 3 legislation.
The tax credit reimburses employers for 50 percent of each employee’s first $10,000 in pay, including health benefits. For businesses with over 100 employees, the tax credit is only available for employees who are not working due to coronavirus.
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Issued one-time cash payments of $1,200 to most individuals(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress approved one-time cash payments as part of phase 3 legislation of $1,200 to most Americans making less than $75,000 a year.
Those who are married each receive a payment, and families also receive a $500 check for each child. Sliding scale benefits are available for individuals who make $75-99,000 a year, and those who make more than $99,000 do not receive a check (same for a couple jointly making more than $198,000). Income is based on 2018 or 2019 tax filings. Social Security beneficiaries are included in this program.
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Expanded unemployment insurance benefits and broadened eligibility(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress expanded unemployment insurance benefits, layering an additional $600 federal dollars on top of state benefits per week for unemployed people, as part of phase 3 legislation. The payments will last four months.
The measure also broadened unemployment insurance eligibility to include non-traditional employment such as gig economy workers, independent contractors, and the self-employed.
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Enacted a range of policies to support college students(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress enacted a range of policies to support college students as part of phase 3 legislation.
The measures include postponement of all student loan and interest payments to 30 September 2020, enabling colleges and universities to continue to pay work-study funds, and special protections for students who had to drop out due to COVID-19. Affected students will not have to pay back any grants they received, and will face no deductions for federal loans or Pell grants for future study.
Additionally, the legislation included a provision that allows employers to pay up to $5,250 of an employee's student loans without that payment counting as income for tax purposes.
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Delayed the tax return filing deadline to July 15(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress delayed the tax return filing deadline from 15 April to 15 July 2020, as part of phase 3 legislation.
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Funded states’ payment and processing of unemployment claims(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress provided $1 billion in funding to support states in the funding and administration of unemployment insurance as part of phase 2 legislation.
$500 million will go directly to all states for administrative costs and $500 million will go to states with high unemployment, where unemployment rates are 10 percent greater than those of the same time last year. The legislation provides that the federal government will cover 100 percent of unemployment insurance costs (rather than the usual 50 percent match) in these instances of high unemployment.
In addition, the Secretary of Labor will give states guidance in raising employer awareness of benefits to avoid layoffs. States receiving support must ease regulations such as work search requirements.
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Established paid sick leave for employees unable to work due to COVID-19(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress established emergency paid sick leave for employees unable to work or telework due to a self isolation order or a suspected case of COVID-19, as part of phase 2 legislation. Compensation for paid sick leave is up to $511 per day and $5,110 over the benefit period, which is up to 80 hours (two weeks) for full-time employees. For part-time employees the amount is equivalent to the average number of hours worked in a two-week period.
Paid leave is also provided to those caring for children, someone under an isolation order, or “any other substantially similar condition.” For this type of paid leave, compensation is two-thirds the employee’s pay up to $200 per day and $10,000 over the benefit period.
Businesses with fewer than 25 employees are exempt. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are exempt if compliance with the policy would threaten bankruptcy for the business. The Department of Labor can exclude health care providers and emergency responders.
Employers receive tax credits for the amount of sick leave wages paid. Self-employed people receive $200 a day or 67 percent average daily pay, whichever is less, for sick or family leave in the form of an individual tax credit. For the self-employed in mandated quarantine, the amount is $511 for emergency paid sick leave in the form of tax credits.
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Provided paid leave for carers of children and those in isolation(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress expanded the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to cover employees unable to work due to the need to care for their children in the wake of closed schools or daycares, as part of phase 2 legislation. Leave is also granted for individuals caring for someone under an isolation order or “any other substantially similar condition.”
Leave can be taken up to 12 weeks at no less than two-thirds the employee’s regular pay, up to $200 per day and $10,000 over the benefit period. Businesses with fewer than 25 employees are exempt. Businesses with fewer than 50 employees are exempt if compliance with the policy would threaten bankruptcy for the business.
In addition, the Department of Labor can exclude health care providers and emergency responders.
Vietnam
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Considered further stimulus package(...)Announced06/05/2020Policy details
The Government is considering further relief aid to revive the local economy, following the introduction last month of the VND62-trillion financial support package to help poor people and businesses affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Ministry of Planning and Investment has completed a draft stipulating missions and solutions to bolster production and business activities, speed up public investment disbursement and secure social order. Besides this, the draft aims to improve the investment environment to attract more resources for the country.
According to the draft resolution, the ministry suggested a business registration fee exemption for business households affected by the disease and a 30% reduction of the land leasing fee for six months for companies that have ceased operations.
For the aviation sector, the ministry proposed guarantee-fee exemptions in 2020 for loans endorsed by the Government, together with a 50% reduction in takeoff and landing fees and the management fees of domestic flights.
The ministry also suggested deferring value added tax payments for virus-hit sectors such as apparel, footwear and beverages; cutting lending rates for small and medium-sized enterprises; and postponing personal income tax payments.
According to the draft, foreign experts, business leaders and skilled workers may be subject to a special entry procedure to maintain business operations in the country. The Government will also consider streamlining administrative procedures to attract investment and speed up project progress.
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Empowered people's movement to supervise implementation of relief package(...)Announced29/04/2020Policy details
The Vietnamese government gave responsibility for supervising the implementation of the government’s COVID-19 relief package to the Vietnamese Fatherland Front (VFF), which is a group of mass movements aligned with the Communist Party of Vietnam forming part of the Vietnamese government.
According to the VFF, it will oversee lists of relief recipients under Resolution 42 along with the publication of the lists at the headquarters of local governments.
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Provided cash transfers to affected people, workers and household businesses(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Vietnam announced it would provide cash transfers to affected people ,workers and household businesses for three months from April 2020.
People living within or just above the poverty line will receive VND1.0 million a month.
People already receiving social protection monthly allowance will receive VND 0.5 million a month.
Workers having to stop work temporarily or on unpaid leave will receive VND 1.8 million a month.
Unemployed workers without unemployment insurance and self-employed workers will receive VND 1.0 million a month.
Households businesses that have been suspended will receive VND1.0 million a month.
The package is worth VND 62,000 billion.
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Provided concessional loans to employers for workers’ salaries(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The Vietnam Social Policy Bank will provide concessional loans to employers for employees’ salaries.
The loans will be interest free and will cover 50 percent of their minimum regional salary thresholds for three months.
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Deferred tax and land rent payments(...)Announced08/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Vietnam deferred payment of value added tax, personal income tax, corporate income tax, and land rental for five months from the deadline of payments for March, April, May or Q1, Q2 for affected individuals and businesses.
The package is worth VND 180 000 billion.
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Proposed deferral of tax and land rent payments(...)Announced04/03/2020Policy details
The Prime Minister proposed to defer tax and land rents, worth VND 30,000 billion.
Food and necessities
How governments are ensuring access to food, utilities and other basic necessities
Argentina
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Delegated price control powers to municipal governments(...)Announced08/04/2020Policy details
The Secretary of Commerce, in charge of price controlling, delegated this faculty to local governments. This policy aims to carry out an effective control of arbitrary price increases, especially where the presence of national institutions is lower. The Secretary will provide technical assistance and cooperation to implement this policy.
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Extended the National Installment Payment Program (Ahora12)(...)Announced31/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government extended the duration of Ahora12, the National Installment Payment Program. People can purchase products included in the program’s list through installment payments, with no interest.
The program is intended to protect against inflation rate in Argentina by avoiding abrupt price increases, and support incomes and wages.
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Prohibited extra fees being charged on ATM operations(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Central Bank of Argentina prohibited banks from charging extra fees on ATM operations. There will be no limits on amounts or number of extractions. There will also be no distinction between clients and non-clients, regardless of the type of account on which the corresponding operation is carried out.
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Suspended closure of bank accounts due to lack of funds(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government suspended legal obligations of financial entities to close bank accounts due to lack of funds. Penalty fees charged to individuals owing to late payments have also been temporarily suspended.
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Ensured essential services are not cut due to non-payment(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government prohibited basic public service companies, such as electrical energy, water, gas, mobile telephones, internet and TV cable, to suspend their services due to lack of payment by certain people, for up to three periods of payment.
This policy applies to beneficiaries of Social Welfare Plans, people with informal jobs, retired people, small and medium sized businesses.
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Fixed prices for basic goods(...)Announced20/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government established maximum price increases for certain products for a period of 30 days. This includes staple food, beverages and personal hygiene products. Sanitizers, gel alcohol and thermometers have also been included in the list of products.
Businesses may not sell listed products at a price higher than they were on March 6. This policy applies to ‘hypermarkets’, wholesale and retail supermarkets, mini markets, stores and small kiosks.
On April 7, the Government asked public institutions to comply with this policy, as overpriced food had been purchased by the Ministry of Social Development.
Australia
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Introduced principles for hardship support by state governments(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The National Cabinet agreed to introduce a set of principles for state and territory governments in providing hardship support for essential services for households and businesses.
Essential services will include energy, telecommunications, water utilities and local government services.
The principles include:
– offering flexible payment options to all households and small businesses in financial stress, including small businesses eligible for the JobKeeper Payment;
– not disconnecting restricting supply or services to those in financial stress;
– deferring debt recovery proceedings and credit default listing;
– waiving late fees and interest charges on debt;
– minimising planned outages for critical works, and providing as much notice as possible to assist households and businesses during any outage. -
Increased funding for emergency relief services for vulnerable Australians(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Australian Government announced the Community Support Package — a flexible funding arrangement totalling AUD$200 million to support charities and other community organisations which provide emergency and food relief services.
This initiative formed part of an AUD$1.1billion package to help address the secondary effects of the health and economic crisis caused by coronavirus.
Service providers receiving support included: emergency relief services for vulnerable Australians requiring assistance with bills, food, and clothing; the National Debt Helpline; and Financial Counselling Australia, which was to create a short-form Financial Counselling course to train new financial counsellors.
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Established Supermarkets Taskforce(...)Announced20/03/2020Policy details
A Supermarkets Taskforce was established to work with all levels of government, industry and the community to ensure supermarkets could continue providing essential daily supplies.
The Taskforce also aims to rapidly resolve issues that may prevent the provision of essential daily supplies. This includes trucking curfews, home delivery arrangements and workforce safety.
Austria
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Required masks to be worn in grocery stories(...)Announced11/04/2020Policy details
No further details are recorded for this policy. Refer to the citations below for more information.
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Required grocery stores are implement hygiene measures(...)Announced03/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Austria implemented mandatory hygiene measures for grocery stores.
These measures include maximum capacities, minimum distances, and personal protective equipment use.
Canada
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Provided funding to support farmers, food businesses and food processors(...)Announced05/05/2020Policy details
The Canadian government provided CA$252 million in funding to intended to support farmers, food businesses and food processors as well as announcing measures within agriculture programs.
CA$77.5 million is set aside to create an Emergency Processing Fund aimed at helping food producers access more personal protective equipment (PPE), adapt to health protocols, automate or modernize their facilities, processes, and operations, and respond to emerging pressures.
CA$125 million is set aside to launch national AgriRecovery initiatives aimed at helping producers faced with additional costs incurred by COVID-19. This includes set-asides for cattle and hog management programs to manage livestock backed-up on farms due to the temporary closure of food processing plants. This funding is also aimed at helping beef and pork producers and processors adapt to a changing market, and help farmers and ranchers keep their animals longer before marketing.
Initial funding of CA$150 million has been set aside for a Surplus Food Purchase Program, aimed at helping redistribute existing and unsold inventories (e.g. potatoes, poultry) to local food organisations.
The Canadian government intends to work with provinces and territories to increase interim payments from 50 per cent to 75 per cent through AgriStability, a federal, provincial and territorial program that aims to support producers who face significant revenue decline. This change has already been enacted in some provinces.
The Canadian government intends to work with provinces and territories to explore possibilities for expanding the AgriInsurance program to include labour shortages as an eligible risk for the horticulture sector.
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Provided funding to charities and non-profit organizations(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Canadian government announced CA$350 million in support to vulnerable Canadians through charities and non-profit organisations that deliver essential services via the Emergency Community Support Fund.
The funding is intended to support a variety of activities, including increasing volunteer-based home deliveries of groceries and medications, providing transportation services, scaling up help lines, and assisting vulnerable Canadians access government benefits.
Charities and non-profit organisations are also able to apply for the 75 per cent wage subsidy that the government announced on 27 March 2020.
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Provided funding to food banks and local food organizations(...)Announced03/04/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government announced CA$100 million in support to food banks and local food organisations, who are facing increased demand for their services.
These organisations include Food Banks Canada, Salvation Army, Second Harvest, Community Food Centres Canada, and Breakfast Club of Canada.
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Provided funding for support to Canadian seniors(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government will provide CA$9 million through United Way Canada for local organizations to support practical services to Canadian seniors. Eligible services include delivery of groceries, medications, or other needed items, or personal outreach to assess individuals’ needs and connect them to community support.
Germany
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Allowed consumers and debtors to freeze payments(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The German Government allowed debtors who are unable to fulfil their contractual obligations because of the COVID 19 pandemic to refuse or discontinue those obligations for the time being, without any legal consequences for them.
This right of refusal applies to consumers and micro-enterprises which, because of the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, are currently unable to satisfy claims relating to contracts with ongoing obligations that were signed before 8 March 2020.
The right of refusal lasts until 30 June 2020. This ensures that consumers and micro-enterprises are not cut off from basic services (electricity, gas, telecommunications, and, where regulated by civil law, also water) because they cannot meet their payment obligations due to the crisis.
India
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Provided free food packages to poor people(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Government of India will provide poor people with monthly food packages for the next three months.
The packages will contain 5 kg wheat or rice and 1 kg of preferred pulses.
Ireland
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Extended fuel allowance(...)Announced31/03/2020Policy details
The Fuel Allowance payment has been extended from 10 April to 8 May.
The Fuel Allowance is provided to over 370,000 households. The rate of payment is €24.50 per week and ordinarily operates between October to April each year.
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Suspended gas and electricity disconnections(...)Announced16/03/2020Policy details
The Commission for Regulation of Utilities implemented measures to assist consumers, in cooperation with the gas and electricity suppliers.
From 17 March 2020 domestic gas and electricity disconnections are suspended until 19 April.
Emergency credit levels for prepaid gas meters will be increased from €10 to €100 and suppliers will offer online and over the phone top up services for prepaid customers who are unable to access a shop.
Morocco
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Monitored the market for essential goods to ensure stability of supply(...)Announced15/03/2020Policy details
No further details are recorded for this policy. Refer to the citations below for more information.
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Ensured stocks of essential non-perishable products were guarenteed to meet demand(...)Announced12/03/2020Policy details
No further details are recorded for this policy. Refer to the citations below for more information.
Nepal
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Discounted electricity costs(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Nepal Government will provide a 25% discount to all electricity consumers that use more than 150 units per month.
There will be no penalty if utility bills are not cleared until mid-April.
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Subsidised essential food items and fuel(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Nepal Government will provide a 10% discount on rice, flour, lentils, salt, sugar, and oil supplies for individuals and families with reduced daily wages due to COVID-19.
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Fined price gougers(...)Announced05/03/2020Policy details
The Nepal Government has discouraged price hiking of essential items. The Department of Commerce has conducted regular raids to ensure consumers are not being exploited amid COVID-19 fears. Fines will be issued to sellers that have overpriced customers.
Netherlands
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Provided extra funding for food banks(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has allocated an extra €4 million as an emergency fund for Food Banks Netherlands, the national food bank body. Currently food banks are dealing with problems such as a lack of experienced staff, insufficient supply of food and closures due to COVID-19.
The Defense force has also provided more than 10,000 kilos of food items to food banks that were intended for the defense training and practices that have now been cancelled.
New Zealand
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Provided funding for food and welfare services(...)Announced22/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand government provided NZ$30 million for delivery of food and welfare assistance by local authorities and Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups.
The funding will go towards food parcels, household goods and services, other welfare services and emergency accomodation.
Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups are groupings of local authorities in a region working in partnership with emergency services, lifeline utilities and government departments, and other organisations.
The funding is in addition to NZ$27 million the government provided on 26 March to NGOs and community groups supporting to vulnerable people.
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Increased support payment for energy costs(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government will increase the payment made to people on income support and pensioners to assist with energy costs, known as the Winter Energy Payment. The payments will be NZ$40.91 per week for single people with no dependent children, and NZ$63.64 per week for couples or people with dependent children.
The Winter Energy Payment is paid weekly between 1 May and 1 October. This and the other welfare changes announced on 17 March 2020 are expected to cost NZ$2.8 billion over four years.
Pakistan
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Declared mobile communications and internet services as essential services(...)Announced09/04/2020Policy details
The Pakistan Government declared mobile communications and internet services as essential services.
As a result of the measure, all mobile operators in Pakistan have announced subsidised voice and data bundles and mobile payments.
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Created guidelines to keep industries and shops operational(...)Announced31/03/2020Policy details
The Pakistan Government devised guidelines to make industries and shops operational.
This decision was made at a meeting held at the National Command Centre of COVID-19. It is intended to support the economy while stopping the spread of the disease, and prevent a break-down of lockdown due to hunger.
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Established relief fund to collect donations from the public(...)Announced30/03/2020Policy details
Prime Minister Imran Khan established the Coronavirus Relief Fund to help those who have been made destitute by the country's lockdown measures.
The fund will accept donations from the public from 1 April. Those who make a donation will receive tax relief.
Funds will be used to provide food and cash to those in need.
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Established a youth force to distribute food and necessities(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The federal government has established a youth force called the Corona Relief Tigers to assist the government with its Covid-19 response.
The youth force will go into lockdown areas and distribute food and other necessities among the needy and poor. The group will also offer guidance to people around the country about potential symptoms of the virus and instruct them about quarantining and self-isolation.
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Subsidised basic food items(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Pakistan Government announced that five basic food items will be sold at lower prices at utility stores. Rs50 billion will be given to the Utility Stores Corporation for this purpose.
This policy is part of the RS1.25 trillion economic package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan on 24 March 2020 aimed at absorbing the adverse impacts of the pandemic.
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Reduced fuel prices(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Pakistan Government reduced the price of petrol, diesel and kerosene by Rs15 per litre.
This measure is estimated to cost Rs 75 billion, and is part of the RS1.25 trillion economic package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan on 24 March 2020 aimed at absorbing the adverse impacts of the pandemic.
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Relaxed payment requirements for electricity and gas bills for some consumers(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Pakistan Government will allow the payment of electricity and gas bills in three installments for those with monthly electricity consumption of less than 300 units and less than Rs2,000 per month of gas bills.
The policy is estimated to cover about 75 percent of power consumers and 81 percent of gas consumers.
This policy is part of the RS1.25 trillion economic package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan on 24 March 2020 aimed at absorbing the adverse impacts of the pandemic.
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Removed or reduced taxes on essential food items(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Pakistan Government directed the Federal Board of Revenue to completely exempt or reduce taxes on imported essential food items, such as pulses.
This policy is part of the RS1.25 trillion economic package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan on 24 March 2020 aimed at absorbing the adverse impacts of the pandemic.
Peru
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Imposed payment plans and moratorium on gas and electricity payments(...)Announced04/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Peru established payment plans and moratorium for gas and electricity payments during March and the rest of the national emergency to be extended for up to 24 months. The moratorium is means tested. Utilities will be partially compensated by the government.
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Imposed payment plans for telecommunications services(...)Announced04/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Economy and Finance of Peru imposed payment plans for payments to public telecoms during March and the rest of the national emergency to be extended for up to 12 months. Telecommunications companies will not be compensated by the government and can reduce service quality to those who don't pay.
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Imposed a quarantine for two weeks and limited travel and purchase of essential goods(...)Announced16/03/2020Policy details
The Government of Peru imposed a quarantine for two weeks, including limits on travel. Purchases are limited to basic food and pharmaceuticals.
Saudi Arabia
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Prohibited power cuts for customers who fall behind in paying electricity bills(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Saudi Arabian Electricity company has announced that there will be no power cuts on customers who fall behind in paying their electricity bills for a period of one month.
South Africa
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Allocated additional funds to municipalities for water, food and housing(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa announced that, as part of the second phase of its economic response to the virus, R20 billion will be made available to municipalities.
This funding will be for emergency water supply, increased sanisation of public transport facilites, and providing food and shelter for the homeless.
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Provided food parcels(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa partnered with the solidarity fund and community based organisations to distribute 250,000 food parcels
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Established support scheme for informal convenience stores and general dealers(...)Announced18/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa in partnership with Nedbank created a support scheme for 'Spaza shops' (informal convinience stores).
The support scheme is also intended for general dealers and grocery stores in townships and villages that are 100 percent owned by South African Citizens. Support includes access to working capital investment and credit facility, business management support and legal compliance support.
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Relaxed some lockdown restrictions relating to certain essential goods(...)Announced16/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa amended the restrictions on the movement of goods during lockdown to allow the transport of essential goods from warehousing sites to essential service providers.
With the exception of liquor, cargo may be transported to ports of entry for exporting. Stores selling harware products and vehicle components may open for the sale of essential goods.
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Asked municipalities to suspend cuts to water supply during lockdown.(...)Announced13/04/2020Policy details
Ther Government of South Africa called on municipalies to suspend the cutting of water supply during the national lockdown.
This measure is intended to assist citizens in practicing hygiene by washing their hands.
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Distributed food vouchers to waster reclaimers(...)Announced13/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa, in partnership with Packaging SA, has committed to distributing food vouchers to waste reclaimers who have lost thier livelihoods during the national lockdown period.
Vouchers can be reclaimed at specified retailers. A total of 3925 reclaimers will recieve vouchers.
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Provided funding to small-scale farmers(...)Announced06/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development has set aside R1.2 billion to assist financially distressed small-scale farmers.
Of the R1.2 billion, R400 million has been allocated for farmers within the Proactive Land Acquisition Strategy (PLAS) programme. The remainder will be channelled to all other farmers, mainly within the poultry, other livestock and vegetables sectors. Other commodity sectors will be evaluated on a case by case basis.
The measure is intended to provide immediate support to small-scale farmers affected by COVID-19, and to ensure food supply.
To qualify for support, farmers must be South African citizens who have been actively farming for 12 months and have an annual turnover between R50 000 and R1 million, or be a communal farmer, among other criteria. Priority will be given to women, youth and people with disabilities.
Funding will not go toward mechanisation, infrastructure and overhead cost, or the payment of debts. Farmers who are currently receiving support through other government programmes are also ineligible.
Applications for funding will be open from 8 April to 22 April 2020.
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Asked provinces provide food and accommodation to people working and living on the street(...)Announced28/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa requested that all provinces activate shelters to provide accomodation and meals to people living and working on the streets, including children.
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Prohibited the sale of non-essential goods(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa prohibited retail stores selling essential goods from selling non essential goods.
As alcohol is a non essential good, alcohol sales are now prohibited. On 3 April, cigarettes were also classified as a non-essential item.
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Allowed agriculture and food supply sector to continue to operate(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa classified the food and agriculture sector as essential so that they can continue to function during the 21 day lock down period.
The entire sector is classified as essential, ranging from farms, agro-processing and food manufacturing, to logistics and related services, and wholesale and retail services.
Live auctions of livestock and the sale of other agricultural commodities will continue, but under strict conditions that account for COVID-19.
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Provided funding to the Land Bank to assist farmers(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa allocated R100 million to the Land and Development Bank to assist farmers affected by the pandemic.
Land and Development Bank is a government-owned development bank in South Africa.
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Monitored essential goods to prevent price gouging(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa published a list of 22 critical products, including rice, maize meal, milk, canned vegetables and meats, toilet paper, baby formula, and certain hygiene products.
The list will be monitored by the National Consumer and Competition Commission to prevent price gouging.
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Required restaurants, taverns and clubs to close or limit capacity to 50 persons(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa required on-consumption liquor premises, such as taverns, restaurants and clubs, to close immediately or limit capacity to 50 persons.
South Korea
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Provided food and other essential supplies for residents in self-isolation(...)Announced05/03/2020Policy details
South Korea has worked to provide food and other supplies for those required to self-isolate. The care packages, which are provided free of charge, include staple foods and toiletry essentials.
Spain
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Guaranteed supply of water, electricity and gas to vulnerable consumers(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
Guaranteed supply of water, electricity and gas to vulnerable consumers and mechanisms for freezing LPG and natural gas tariffs.
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Prohibited the termination of electricity supply to the vulnerable(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Government of Spain prohibited cutting electricity supply to consumers who are vulnerable, especially vulnerable or at risk of social exclusion between 18 March and 17 April.
Thailand
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Waived or reduced electricity charges for three months for some households(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
Cabinet approved a decision of energy authorities to waive or reduce electricity charges for a period of three months for 22 million households forced to work from home.
The decision endorsed the proposal of the Energy Regulatory Commission, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority and the Provincial Electricity Authority.
A complete subsidy is extended to households with power meters measuring less than 5 amps (expected to benefit 10 million households), with lesser discounts for households with meters over 5 amps.
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Offered 10GB free data to mobile users(...)Announced10/04/2020Policy details
The National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission provided all mobile users who register before April 30 with 10GB free data.
The program was endorsed by the board of the regulator, the Broadcasting and Telecommunications Research Fund, who allocated B3 billion for funding.
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Provided utilities subsidy for individuals(...)Announced10/03/2020Policy details
This measure was announced as part of the first phase of the Thai Government’s B400 billion economic stimulus programme.
United Kingdom
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Established fund to support food distribution organisations in England(...)Announced03/04/2020Policy details
The UK Government established a £3.25 million fund to support food distributions organisations in England.
The fund is designed to assist these organisations cut food waste and redistribute up to 14,000 tonnes of surplus stock during the coronavirus outbreak.
All food redistribution businesses and charities can bid for grants throughout April.
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Delivered food parcels to vulnerable people(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government delivered free food boxes containing essential supplies to those at highest risk from COVID-19, who have been advised by the NHS to stay at home for 12 weeks.
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Provided meal vouchers to school students who would otherwise get free school meals(...)Announced19/03/2020Policy details
The Department for Education launched a voucher scheme. Children eligible for free school meals will receive £15 worth to spend at supermarkets while schools are closed due to coronavirus.
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Required businesses to provide government with information about food supply(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government required businesses involved in a food supply chain to provide the government with information to enable the government to find out if a food supply chain is at risk of disruption.
United States
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Expanded food assistance for low-income and vulnerable populations(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress included multiple initiatives to expand food assistance for low-income people as part of phase 2 and phase 3 legislation.
Phase 2 legislation provided $500 million to the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, also known as ‘WIC’, for pregnant women and mothers who are laid off due to COVID-19; $400 million to the Commodity Assistance Program in The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) which purchases and distributes food to low-income Americans; $100 million for U.S. Department of Agriculture to provide food assistance grants to the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and American Samoa; and through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, $250 million to Aging and Disability Services Programs for food assistance, including home-delivered nutrition services and services for Native Americans. Phase 2 legislation also allowed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to work with states to provide emergency SNAP (food stamp) benefits, allowed flexibility in application and reporting requirements, and removed work requirements for food stamp (SNAP) recipients until the public health emergency is lifted.
Phase 3 legislation provided an additional $15.5 billion to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), an additional $450 million to The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), $200 million for food assistance in Puerto Rico and other U.S. territories, and $100 million for Native American reservations.
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Covered school meals for low-income students whose schools have closed(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress ensured provision of food from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as Food Stamps) to children who normally receive free and reduced lunch at school, as part of phase 2 legislation. Phase 3 legislation provided an additional $8.8 billion in funding for flexible food provision for schools and students.
This provision is executed through individual state plans. A school must be closed at least five days in order for a student’s family to qualify for assistance.
In addition, phase 2 legislation allows the U.S. Department of Agriculture to increase funding for states and programs through the MEALS Act and Child Nutrition Response Act to provide services such as school breakfasts and lunches to low-income students and their families while schools are closed. The legislation also waives certain administrative requirements due to COVID-19, such as the form and setting in which meals are delivered.
Vietnam
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Resumed rice exports(...)Announced28/04/2020Policy details
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc approved a proposal of the Ministry of Industry and Trade to resume normal rice export from 1 May.
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Restarted some non-essential businesses(...)Announced24/04/2020Policy details
Under Directive 19, non-essential services like beauty clinics, karaoke, massage parlors, bars, entertainment venues will continue to remain closed until further notice.
Services like wholesale and retail, lotteries, hotels and other accommodation facilities, and restaurants, sport training facilities, tourist sites are allowed to reopen provided that the safety measures are deployed.
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Reduced electricity bills for affected businesses and households(...)Announced16/04/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Industry and Trade reduced electricity bills for customers affected by Covid-19 for three months from April to June 2020.
Electricity bills will be 100 percent reduced for quarantine facilities, 20 percent reduced for hotels being used as quarantine facilities, 20 percent reduced for testing facilities, and 10 percent for other entities, including households and businesses.
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Reduced internet and telecommunications charges(...)Announced02/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Vietnam launched an initiative with the information and communications industry to reduce telecommunications charges.
Social security recipients will receive a discount of up to 20 percent.
Telecommunications businesses will increase the maximum speed and data limits of many fixed internet access service packages by up to 50 percent without increasing the price.
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Monitored food supply(...)Announced04/03/2020Policy details
Market surveillance agencies will intensify inspection and deal strictly with speculation of essential commodities.
Agencies will promote online trading to meet the demand of the people, especially in isolated areas.
Housing
How governments are easing the pressure on homeowners and renters
Argentina
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Freezed rent for six months(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government freezed rent increases for six months.
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Banned evictions for six months(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government banned evictions for six months. Rental contracts terminating in March will be continued for the time of this period. Evictions due to lack of payment are suspended. Tenants will only be evicted for damage, assault, abandonment of the property, or significant antisocial behaviour during this period.
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Banned foreclosures and mortgage repayment increases(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Argentine Government banned foreclosures from 29 March until 30 September 2020. During that time, monthly mortgage installments may not be increased on residential properties.
Australia
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Introduced a 6-month ban on rental evictions(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Australian Government announced that there would be no rental evictions for a period of 6 months.
Austria
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Allowed tenants postpone payments until end of 2020(...)Announced16/04/2020Policy details
No further details are recorded for this policy. Refer to the citations below for more information.
Canada
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Launched an Insured Mortgage Purchase Program(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government has launched a revised Insured Mortgage Purchase Program (IMPP).
Under this program, the government can purchase up to CA$150 billion of insured mortgage pools through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). This action will provide stable funding to banks and mortgage lenders in order to ensure continued lending to Canadians.
At its initial launch the program on 16 March 2020, the program was designed to purchase CA$50 billion of insured mortgage pools. This was increased by CA$100 billion on 26 March 2020.
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Increased funding for anti-homelessness programme(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Canadian Government will provide an additional CA$157.5 million to the Reaching Home initiative.
The funding is intended for needs associated with social distancing,such as the purchase of beds and physical barriers, and to secure accommodation. to reduce overcrowding in homeless shelters.
The Reaching Home initiative is a community-based program intended to prevent and reduce homelessesness across Canada by providing funding to urban, indigenous, rural and remote communities.
Germany
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Protected residential tenants from eviction(...)Announced23/03/2020Policy details
The German Government limited the right of landlords to terminate rental and lease agreements due to payment arrears. This restriction applies to cases where the arrears are due to the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Arrears of payment from the period 1 April to 30 June 2020 will not entitle the landlord to terminate the lease for a period of 24 months. Only if the tenant or lessee has not paid the arrears after 30 June 2022 can the lease be terminated.
The obligation of the tenant or leaseholder to pay on time will continue to apply during this period. The regulations are designed to prevent residential tenants from losing their homes due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
India
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Extended government housing placements for residents(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs has allowed allottees of General Pool Residential Accommodations who were due to vacate their flats or houses to retain their accomodation for the period from 17 March to 31 May 2020.
The measure was taken as many current allottees are unable to move due to the advisories regarding social distancing issued by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Ireland
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Banned evictions from residential tenancies(...)Announced19/03/2020Policy details
The Irish Government banned evictions from residential tenancies for three months. The government can extend the period if necessary.
Tenants who had been served with eviction notices already will be entitled to remain in occupancy of a dwelling, unless ordered to leave by a tenancy adjudicator.
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Banned residential rent increases(...)Announced19/03/2020Policy details
The Irish Government banned rent increases for residential tenancies for three months. The government can extend the period if necessary.
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Extended notice period to end short term residential tenancies(...)Announced19/03/2020Policy details
The Irish Government extended the notice period required to end a short-term tenancy (a tenancy of less than six months) from 28 to 90 days.
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Worked with banks to provide debt payment holidays(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Irish Government and Central Bank of Ireland consulted with the 5 retail banks (AIB, Bank of Ireland, KBC, Permanent tsb and Ulster Bank), along with their representative body Banking & Payments Federation Ireland (BPFI), to prepare a series of measures to support personal customers and businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
There will be a payment break of up to three months for businesses and personal customers.
Flexibility will be afforded to bank customers with buy-to-let properties that have tenants impacted by COVID-19. These landlords can seek a mortgage payment break of up to three months which they can pass on to their tenants.
A simplified application process will be implemented to make it easy for businesses and personal customers to get support from their bank.
COVID-19 applications for a payment break will not affect credit ratings. The Central Bank will discuss the details of this with the Central Bank of Ireland
Court proceedings will be deferred for 3 months.
Nepal
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Required landlords to waive rent(...)Announced29/03/2020Policy details
The Nepal Government requested rental owners waive rent for tenants during the lockdown period starting March 24. The government has ordered rental owners to waive one month rent.
Netherlands
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Provided tax relief to residents in the Caribbean Netherlands(...)Announced05/05/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has allocated €7.8 million of tax relief to the Caribbean Netherlands to help reduce the cost of living for residents.
All households and businesses will be able to recieve reductions to their utility bills including electricity, drinking water and internet from 1 May to December 2020. This amounts to around USD$44-60 in tax relief per month for households and companies in the Caribbean Netherlands.
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Allowed tenants to extend temporary tenancies(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has allowed the extension of temporary tenancies, which could previously only be canceled or changed into permanent tenancies.
Under the new 'Temporary Extension of Temporary Leases Act', tenants who are coming to the end of a temporary tenancy can extend the tenancy if they are unable to find another home due to the coronavirus crisis.
The new rules apply to rental contracts ending between 1 April to 30 June 2020, with a possibility to extend. Rental contracts can only be extended once, for a maximum of three months until at least 1 September 2020. If the landlord had made agreements before 1 April, for example to live in, sell, demolish or renovate the house, they do not have to extend the contract.
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Tasked local authorities to find housing for asylum seekers(...)Announced16/04/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has tasked local authorities to find suitable housing for 6,500 asylum seekers who already have residence permits, in the next six months. Currently, more than 5,800 asylum seekers with residence permits are waiting for a home. The Government has also extended temporary shelters or reception centres for asylum seekers, and is looking to create more in collaboration with local authorities.
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Agreed mortgage holidays for homeowners(...)Announced07/04/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has made agreements with mortgage lenders and housing associations that homeowners who cannot afford their mortgage payments will be offered delayed mortgage payments.
Under the agreement, mortgage lenders will not force homeowners to sell their homes until at least 1 July 2020.
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Protected holiday park residents from eviction(...)Announced03/04/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has asked local authorities not to evict or fine people permanently living in holiday parks to avoid the need for alternative housing during the coronavirus crisis.
Around 55,000 people in the Netherlands are estimated to be living permanently in holiday parks.
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Established public health guidance for homeless shelters(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has adopted a guideline for providing shelter and other services to the homeless during the COVID-19 outbreak.
The guideline aims to ensure homeless people are received in the best possible way, while minimizing the risk of infection.
Day and night shelters and services are allowed to stay open to ensure access to beds, sanitary needs, meals and other forms of support. All service providers must follow strict hygiene and physical distancing rules e.g. 1.5 meters of separation in communal places, as well as isolation protocols for suspected infections.
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Protected tenants from eviction(...)Announced26/03/2020Policy details
The Dutch Government has agreed with major landlord organisations that people will not be forced out of their homes for failing to pay rent during the COVID-19 outbreak.
Landlords have been asked to help tenants find financial assistance and to suspend evictions during this period with the exception for criminal activities or extreme nuisance. The landlord organisations together represent 80 percent of residential rental properties. If people are evicted contrary to the agreement, the government may change the law to prevent evictions.
New Zealand
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Increased funding for emergency accomodation(...)Announced26/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government provided a further NZ$107.6 million for temporary emergency accomodation for the vulnerable.
The funding will provide for 1600 motel units for vulnerable people as a temporary solution before more permanent accommodation can be found. NZ$31 million of the funding will provide social services to support those people’s needs.
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Provided funding for food and welfare services(...)Announced22/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand government provided NZ$30 million for delivery of food and welfare assistance by local authorities and Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups.
The funding will go towards food parcels, household goods and services, other welfare services and emergency accomodation.
Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups are groupings of local authorities in a region working in partnership with emergency services, lifeline utilities and government departments, and other organisations.
The funding is in addition to NZ$27 million the government provided on 26 March to NGOs and community groups supporting to vulnerable people.
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Extended time for landlords to cancel commercial leases and mortagagees to exercise rights(...)Announced15/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government has extending the timeframes required before landlords can cancel leases and mortgagees can exercise their rights to sale or repossession. The measures are inteded to support stability in commercial property transactions and allow more time for breaches or defaults to be remedied.
The period in which a commercial landlord may cancel a lease is extended to 30 working days, up from 10 working days. The extension will apply to both the period the tenant is in arrears before the notice is given, and for the period to remedy the breach.
The government has extended the timeframes for mortgagees to exercise their rights to sale or repossession from 20 to 40 working days for mortgaged land, and from 10 to 20 working days for mortgaged goods.
The extension will apply to commercial mortgages and home loans, but the government expects most residential borrowers will be protected by the existing mortgage deferrals.
Legislation to enact the changes will be introduced on 27 April 2020 and will apply retrospectively.
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Provided motel accommodation for homeless people(...)Announced12/04/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government provided motel rooms for homeless people to live in during the country's level 4 COVID-19 alert, which requires people to remain at home except for essential tasks.
The government has obtained 1,000 motel units for homeless or vulnerable people. 500 are currently occupied.
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Banned rent increases for six months(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government has prohibited increases in rent for a period of six months from 26 March 2020.
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Protected tenants from eviction for three months(...)Announced25/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government has changed tenancy laws to protect tenants from eviction for three months from 26 March 2020. Tenants will only be evicted for damage, assault, abandonment of the property, significant antisocial behaviour, or being 60 days behind in rent. Previously, a tenant could be evicted for being 21 days behind in rent.
Tenants whose tenancies were ending soon will be able to remain in the property for the next three months. Landlords will no longer be allowed to evict the tenant so they or a family member can move into the property.
The change is intended to maintain stable housing for everyone and avoid homelessness during the pandemic.
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Provided debt holiday to mortgage-holders and small to medium businesses(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The New Zealand Government negotiated with retail banks to provide a six month principal and interest payment holiday for mortgage holders and small to medium business customers whose incomes have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Banks will publish details of the scheme once details have been finalised.
Pakistan
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Expanded the network of shelter homes(...)Announced24/03/2020Policy details
The Pakistan Government will expand the network of panagahs (shelter homes) to provide food and shelter to the jobless and poor.
This policy is part of the RS1.25 trillion economic package announced by Prime Minister Imran Khan on 24 March 2020 aimed at absorbing the adverse impacts of the pandemic.
South Africa
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Allocated additional funds to municipalities for water, food and housing(...)Announced21/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa announced that, as part of the second phase of its economic response to the virus, R20 billion will be made available to municipalities.
This funding will be for emergency water supply, increased sanisation of public transport facilites, and providing food and shelter for the homeless.
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Suspended evictions during national lockdown(...)Announced13/04/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa directed that evictions be suspended during the national lockdown.
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Asked provinces provide food and accommodation to people working and living on the street(...)Announced28/03/2020Policy details
The Government of South Africa requested that all provinces activate shelters to provide accomodation and meals to people living and working on the streets, including children.
Spain
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Suspended evictions of vulnerable persons with no alternative housing(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
Vulnerable persons with no alternative accomodation cannot be evicted for six months from the entry into force of Royal Decree Law 11/2020 (until 2 October 2020), where such tenants have been negatively affected by Covid-19.
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Allowed for tenants to request extraordinary extension on term of lease(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Spain provided for extraordinary extensions to lease agreements in some cases.
Where the term of a lease agreement ends between the entry into force of RDL 11/2020 and two months after the state of emergency is lifted, an extraordinary extension may be made to lease agreement at the tenant's request.
If accepted by the landlord, the lease will be extended for an additional six months under the same terms and conditions as the current lease agreement, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
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Funded rent subsidies in autonomous communities(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Spain authorised the advance transfer of all the funds established in the 2018–2021 state housing plan for 2020 (EUR 346,637,200) and 2021 (EUR 354,255,600) to the Autonomous Communities.
The funds are to allow the Autonomous Communities to grant rent subsidies to help minimise the economic and social impact of Covid-19 on residential leases
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Guaranteed line of credit for housing(...)Announced01/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Spain has allowed the Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda and the Official Spanish Credit Institute to establish a credit line of guarantees, fully secured by the state, to allow credit entities to offer temporary financing aid to Economically Vulnerable persons.
This aid will be interest free, have a term of up to six years, extendable for four years in exceptional circumstances, and be earmarked for the payment of rent. It may cover a maximum of six (6) monthly rent instalments.
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Banned mortgages for the acquisition of vulnerable debtors’ dwellings(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The Government of Spain imposed a moratorium on mortgage loans being granted for the acquisition of a dwelling whose debtor is in a vulnerable situation as a consequence of Covid-19.
The moratorium will also benefit any personal guarantor in the same situation of vulnerability and in respect of its dwelling too and with the same conditions as the ones set out for the mortgage debtor.
Those considered vulnerable now include self-employed workers, traders, and professionals
United Kingdom
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Banned evictions from rented accommodation for three months(...)Announced18/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government banned evictions for three months. From 26 March 2020, landlords must give three months’ notice to end a tenancy. From 27 March 2020, the courts suspended all processes to evict tenants. Tenants remain liable for rent.
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Provided emergency support for homeless people(...)Announced17/03/2020Policy details
The UK Government provided £3.2 million emergency funding for councils to provide assistance to homeless people. Councils will be reimbursed for providing accommodation and services to rough sleepers, and those at risk of rough sleeping, who are suffering from or at risk of COVID-19.
United States
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Issued protections against foreclosures and evictions(...)Announced27/03/2020Policy details
The U.S. Congress allowed postponements (forbearance) on mortgage payments for federally backed loans for up to 60 days under phase 3 legislation. Postponements can be extended for additional 30 day periods four more times. The legislation bans the foreclosure process until at least mid-May 2020 and any fees or penalties for delayed payments. Landlords may not evict tenants for failing to pay rent for a 120-day period.
Vietnam
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Deferred tax and land rent payments(...)Announced08/04/2020Policy details
The Government of Vietnam deferred payment of value added tax, personal income tax, corporate income tax, and land rental for five months from the deadline of payments for March, April, May or Q1, Q2 for affected individuals and businesses.
The package is worth VND 180 000 billion.
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Proposed deferral of tax and land rent payments(...)Announced04/03/2020Policy details
The Prime Minister proposed to defer tax and land rents, worth VND 30,000 billion.
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