Maldives' state-run 'Job Center' platform has announced that it has begun investigating fraudulent applications for the state's Income Support Allowance with the Maldives Police Service.
Income Support Project's Director Shuhad Ibrahim noted that certain individuals had submitted fraudulent applications within its employed and freelancer's support categories.
According to Shahud, questionable applications will be forwarded to Police for verification of any information provided. Those that are found guilty of fraud, will be ordered to return any funds awarded by the state prior to the fraud's discovery.
In light of the deceitful acts, the Job Center has strengthened its application process, mandating additional documents to further prove the claim.
The Maldivian government introduced the Income Support Allowance to provide a temporary monthly allowance of up to MVR 5,000, to individuals that lost their employment or income as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Implemented by the Ministry of Economic Development in collaboration with the National Social Protection Authority (NSPA) and Maldives Pension Administration Office (MPAO), the allowance was initially paid out for three months, across April to June, to eligible individuals but was later extended until the end of 2020.