People who have not received the $360 payment can still get it if they qualify - Gounder

The Acting Permanent Secretary for Economy Shiri Gounder has assured Fijians that those who have not yet received their $360 unemployment assistance will get the payment in the coming days if they qualify for it.

As of last night, the government has paid out $72 million to more than 200,000 Fijians under this scheme.

Another 60,000 people will be assisted in the coming days which will bring the total payout amount close to $94 million.

Gounder says they were supposed to pay everyone tomorrow but decided to spread out the payments so that people do not start lining up in huge numbers to withdraw the cash.

He has reiterated that people who have given the correct information and qualify for the assistance do not need to worry if they have not received the payment yet.

Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum had said in Parliament last week that 33,103 people had applied but did not qualify as they did not get their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

He says they are giving these applicants another week and if they get their first dose by next Friday and provide proof, then they can also get their $360.