Minister at the President’s Office, and Chairman of the Economic Council, Hon. Ahmed Zuhoor has stated that those vulnerable will continue to receive the subsidy on staples. He stated this during a Press Conference held at the President’s Office this afternoon.
Those registered as financially vulnerable at the National Social Protection Agency will continue to receive subsidies via oversight from the agency.
Minister Zuhoor stated that while the subsidy had not been completely eliminated the state would reduce the percentage of subsidy paid – previously the subsidy paid by the state for staples had been between 65% to 70%.
Changes to the subsidy have been brought after discussions with relevant agencies, with awareness programs also being conducted. With these changes expatriates living in the Maldives and Tourists visiting the country would no longer receive subsidy benefits and subsidy benefits will be applied equally across the nation.
Minister Zuhoor stated that such measure were vital for robust economic growth in a time when the Maldives was set to forgo foreign aid; having advanced from its previous least developed country status.
