Applications for second phase of the COVID-19 withdrawal scheme have to be done digitally – FNPF

The second phase of the COVID-19 withdrawal scheme for members of the Fiji National Provident Fund will be a digitized process and members will need to submit their applications through the myFNPF App or employers can lodge applications on members’ behalf.

Chief Executive Officer Jaoji Koroi says the Fund will not receive application forms at its offices.

He says while the forms will be available on the FNPF website or with employers, it will not be required when applying through the App.

Koroi says given the high volume of applications in phase one, they are now automating the whole process for phase two.

He says they have allocated resources at all their offices, to assist members with their App registration process and have enhanced the myFNPF App to enable members to apply digitally and at their convenience.

Koroi has also revealed that they have found that there are a few employers who were not compliant in terms of paying members’ contributions, however, they had made allowances during phase one to enable members to receive their relief funds.

All services at the Fund’s offices will continue as normal during phase two, however, the FNPF Agency at Valelevu has been closed.

Meanwhile, the second phase of the COVID-19 withdrawal scheme for members of the FNPF now includes those who are on leave without pay.

Koroi says that while this phase was aimed at providing immediate relief for members who were genuinely unemployed, it has been extended to those who have been sent on leave without pay, due to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

He says they will be relying on employers to be upfront with them regarding the status of their employees and their teams will also conduct the necessary checks to verify members’ employment status.

Phase one of the COVID-19 withdrawal scheme has been closed with a total of 85,959 members paid $54.2 million.