Financial aid package for most affected sectors approved

A financial support package for the most affected sectors in Bahrain has been approved by the government, it has emerged.

During a high-level meeting with legislators, government officials revealed that hotels, travels agencies, restaurants, gyms and cinemas were the most affected.

The online meeting, taking place now, is with members of Parliament and Shura Council, as the three-month spending from the BD4.3 billion Covid-19 support package is set to finish.

It is being headed by National Assembly and Parliament chairwoman Fouzia Zainal.

Present are Labour and Social Development Minister Jameel Humaidan, Finance and National Economy Minister Shaikh Salman bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Industry, Commerce and Tourism Minister Zayed Alzayani and Parliament and Shura Council Affairs Minister Ghanim Al Buainain.

The government is currently paying wages for private sector employees along with bus and taxi drivers and kindergarten teachers for April, May and June.

It has also exempted everyone from paying electricity and water bills and waived municipal, tourism and labour fees for the same period.

All rents of government property for the three months have also been dropped.

Grants worth between BD1,050 and BD12,000 for affected businesses have also been distributed through Tamkeen.

Many others were given low interest loans under the Liquidity Fund, which has been doubled from BD100m to BD200m.

Bank loan installments for Bahrainis have also been deferred for six months.

Source: http://www.gdnonline.com/Details/825714/Financial-aid-package-for-most-affected-sectors-approved