Pandemic forces nearly 114,000 Lao labourers to be unemployed

People in Laos wear face masks to prevent coronavirus (Photo: VNA)

Vientiane (VNA) – Nearly 114,000 Lao labourers are unemployed due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Lao Minister of Labour and Social Welfare Baykham Kattiya.

Meanwhile, 130,000 Lao guest workers have to return home because of the closure of their factories or enterprises.

Those working in the tourism industry are the most affected, said Minister Baykham.

To deal with the crisis, the Lao Government established two working groups, with one in charge of COVID-19 prevention and control, and one supervising and fostering economic recovery.

The government also set up an emergency relief project in support of labourers and businesses affected by the pandemic by temporarily removing personnel income tax, and reducing or suspending the collection of corporate income tax.

It also approved special unemployment benefits worth about 4 million USD in support of beneficiaries of the country’s social welfare programme, and is seeking more assistance to support labourers living in difficulties./.

VNA