According to Minister Dao Ngoc Dung, besides ensuring the package offered for those needing it the most and upholding transparency, the distribution will be rapidly implemented.

“We will try to make sure some groups of beneficiaries including poor households will receive the relief payments in April. People can start receiving social insurance allowances from this week. I discussed with the State Bank of Viet Nam and Viet Nam Bank for Social Policies (VBSP) on criteria of beneficiaries and procedures. All people and companies who meet the requirements can ask VBSP to process their dossiers. Basically, the policy will be applied in April, especially the one-off relief package. Those who have labour contracts will receive allowances via their companies and be approved by local authorities. A dossier must be processed in five days after being received,” said Minister Dao Ngoc Dung. 

Workers in the informal sector are among beneficiaries (Illustrative photo)

On identifying workers in the informal sector who will be supported by the package, Minister Dao Ngoc Dung said: “It is hard to identify them as their jobs are uncategorised. However, they are the most affected by the pandemic. Therefore, no matter how challenging it will be, we are trying to find the most efficient solution.”

To overcome those difficulties, according to Minister Dao Ngoc Dung, the draft circular filed to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on April 15 points out seven groups of informal labourers, including vendors, motor-taxi drivers, scrap collectors, porters, lottery sellers, and workers for restaurants, healthcare services, etc. Based on those groups, after the Prime Minister issues a decision, MOLISA will have detailed instructions for localities to refer and list beneficiaries. National devotees will be listed and paid by departments of labour, invalids and social affairs. Communal people’s committees will take charge of poor and near-poor households. And district branches of Viet Nam Social Security will be responsible for those eligible for temporary suspension of social insurance contributions. 

There will be provisions for companies receiving preferential loans to pay for workers to avoid profiteering. Only those who have already paid 50 per cent of workers’ wages can enjoy the policy. The payment will be made directly to workers’ bank accounts. Companies only have to make lists of employees. Responsible agencies will review those documents and pay workers directly,” said Minister Dao Ngoc Dung.

The biggest concern is upholding transparency in all stages from scanning, listing, approving and paying. Minister Dao Ngoc Dung stressed: “We have to inspect all stages and strictly punish any violations. Viet Nam Fatherland Front, social organisations and people must perform their supervisory roles. Lists of beneficiaries have to be public. If we follow all of these steps, profiteering and law violating will be restrained.”