Brunei doles out financial support to retrenched, furloughed workers

The Bruneian government will be providing financial support for three months to private sector workers who have been retrenched or furloughed due to the pandemic, announced the Ministry of Finance and Economy.

Those eligible include workers who are retrenched, staff who are on unpaid leave for over seven days or issued a quarantine order, freelancers, and self-employed individuals, reports The Scoop. 

Eligible single employees would be offered B$250 (US$184) a month, while those who are married will receive B$250 a month and an additional B$50 (US$37) for each dependent, including their spouse and up to four children below 18 years of age. 

However, this will not apply to recipients who are already receiving student and welfare allowance from the government, as they will not be allowed to apply for more financial aid. 

The new support measures are aimed at helping struggling individuals and businesses stay afloat amid extended COVID-19 restrictions. Eligible recipients would be able to apply for financial support at the National Welfare System website.