Millions of workers in needy circumstances in Hanoi have accessed support packages with an amount of over VND1 trillion (US$43.9 million) to stabilize their lives and get through a strict social distancing period, according to the Hanoi's Department of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs.

Of the total 2.5 million workers, more than 1.6 million workers were delivered a total of nearly VND526 billion (US$23 million), an inter-monthly increase of 6,000 people and over VND9.6 billion (US$421,774) month-on-month. The remainders will receive aid in the coming days.

Workers in Xuan La Ward, Tay Ho District of Hanoi are supported with food and essentials to stabilize their lives. Photo: Oanh Tran

Some 28 districts and towns of the capital city have issued decisions to support poor and near-poor households under Resolution No.15 dated August 13, 2021, of the municipal People's Council Standing Board on a number of specific policies to assist those affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The beneficiaries include poor households, social welfare beneficiaries, revolutionary contributors and soldiers, employees who have had their labor contracts suspended or have taken unpaid leave, employees who have had their labor contracts terminated, owners of private kindergartens who had to stop working for at least 15 days due to Covid-19 from May 1 this year to the end of December, and also pregnant employees.

“Nearly half of the beneficiaries are migrant self-employed workers of various ages and jobs. They are left without a job for many weeks and cannot go back to their hometown. We are trying to deliver support to these people as soon as possible,” Director of the municipal Department of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs Bach Lien Huong told The Hanoi Times.

According to regulations, self-employed workers who are deprived of livelihood due to Covid-19 in Hanoi must file an application certified by the place of residence for financial support. The requirement is aimed at preventing profiteering from the support policy, Huong said.

She added that Hanoi has been speeding up disbursement and giving support to the right people through streamlining procedures and being flexible in the application of new solutions.

“Cash support will be delivered directly to everyone. Hanoi will not let people be destitute, it is better to spend more than to leave someone out,” affirmed Huong.

She stressed that Hanoi pledges to ensure no one will be left behind. Before the support packages were launched, the city called on organizations, individuals, and donors nationwide to support workers.