Fijivillage
NEWS SPORTS IN DEPTH
12 March, 2026, 7:38 pm
Central - 26°C Clouds
12 March, 2026, 7:38 pm Central - 26°C Clouds

COVID-19 Response Budget: More Initiatives

COVID-19 Response Budget: More Initiatives

By Vijay Narayan
26/03/2020

To offer serious mortgage relief for homeowners, the government will also be reducing stamp duty rates for Fiji resident taxpayers for mortgages from 1.7% to 0%.

Foreign nationals will see their mortgages’ stamp duty reduced from 5% to 0%.

A 100% write-off will also be granted for the construction of new commercial and industrial buildings, provided the appropriate approvals are obtained before the end of the calendar year.

A 100% write-off of up to $10,000 will be made available on the purchase of fixed assets for business purposes.

And to continue to build an inclusive economy through these tough times, deductions for businesses employing Fijians living with disabilities for three consecutive years will increase from 300% to 400%.

The tax deduction that businesses can claim on their first full-time employee will increase from 200% to 300%.

The tax deduction on wages paid for applicable student apprenticeships will also be increased to 300%.

A 300% tax deduction will also be offered for any donations that businesses make to the government’s COVID-19 donor fund, a trust to be utilised for any coronavirus assistance, from medical supplies to economic relief.

The Minister for Economy has also announced that tax deduction for business rental.

Landlords can reduce rent for business from $1,000 to $500 and the $500 being lost can be claimed and the government will carry the burden.

The VAT Monitoring System implementation will be deferred.

COVID-19 RESPONSE BUDGET ESTIMATE 2019-2020
http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/COVID-19-RESPONSE-BUDGET-ESTIMATE-2019-2020.pdf

ECONOMIC AND FISCAL UPDATE SUPPLEMENT TO THE COVID-19 RESPONSE BUDGET ADDRESS
http://www.parliament.gov.fj/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/SUPPLEMENT-TO-THE-COVID-19-RESPONSE-BUDGET-ADDRESS.pdf

FEATURE NEWS
Lift breaks down in CWM East Wing, patients cannot be taken to ICU or Acute Wards after surgeries
There is a highly concerning situation at the CWM Hospital as the only operational lift in the East Wing which is used to take patients to the operati...
6 hours ago
LATEST NEWS
I do not need to meet former FNU Council Chair Semesa Karavaki - Rabuka
I do not need to meet with former FNU Council Chair Semesa Karavaki because everything has moved on from where we were when he wanted to meet.This ...
2 hours ago

Govt targets 50% reduction in travel time on major corridors - Tuinaceva
Traffic conditions are expected to improve along the Suva–Nausori, Lami–Suva and Nadi–Lautoka corridor, with plans underway to reduce travel ...
3 hours ago

Decision to appeal Malimali ruling was mine - Rabuka
Prime Minister says he as "Sitiveni Rabuka" decided to appeal the ruling by High Court Judge Dane Tuiqereqere that found the dismissal of Barbara ...
4 hours ago

Fiji could soon have 9,000 people living with HIV - Ravunawa
Assistant Minister for Health Penioni Ravunawa revealed that Fiji is currently facing a HIV pandemic, and if current trends continue, projections ...
4 hours ago

High Court orders release of COI transcripts in Malimali judicial review case
The Office of the Attorney General has been directed by the High Court to make audio recordings and transcripts of the Commission of Inquiry into ...
6 hours ago



Stay tuned for the latest news on our radio stations

CFL radio frequencies
IN DEPTH
Fiji Sports Council Saga: Minister ready to repay business class air fare for wife as concerns grow about Sports Council deals
I was invited to travel to New Zealand by the Fiji Sports Council for a grassroots 7s tournament in 2024, I travelled business class but it was ...
6 days ago

National Talanoa Session on Illicit Drugs in Fiji: 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025
The illicit drug situation in Fiji has been described as a national emergency, with 2,400 drug-related cases recorded in 2025. Minister for Policing ...
13 days ago

Charlie Charters held at Nadi Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file
Fijian national, Charlie Charters is being held at immigration at Nadi International Airport because of a FICAC flag on his file.fijivillage News has ...
13 days ago

TOP