Pandemic forces nearly 114,000 Lao labourers to be unemployed

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.

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

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

Meanwhile, 130,000 Lao guest workers have to return homebecause 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 twoworking groups, with one in charge of COVID-19 prevention and control, and onesupervising and fostering economic recovery.

The government also set up an emergency relief project insupport of labourers and businesses affected by the pandemic by temporarilyremoving personnel income tax, and reducing or suspending the collection ofcorporate income tax.

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

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