Tajikistan President Signs Order to Mitigate Effects of Covid-19 On Economy

DUSHANBE, 06.06.2020. (NIAT Khovar) –  In order to limit the effects of COVID- 19 on the socio-economic spheres, and being guided by Article 69 of the Constitution,  President Rahmon has issued an executive order that aims to alleviate the hardships incurred by individuals and businesses as a result of the pandemic.

According to the order, doctors and medical personnel who come into direct contact with patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection, will be provided with additional financial benefits until the situation stabilizes.

Those undergoing medical treatment for COVID-19, participants in the Great Patriotic War of 1941-1945, recipients of social pensions, individuals with disabilities, orphans and homeless children, impoverished families, and families of labor migrants left without a breadwinner will receive one-time payments equivalent to a month’s minimum wage.

In order to reduce production costs, prevent inflation, increased prices for domestic products and other services, the planned increase in tariffs for electricity, water, irrigation, communication and utilities will be postponed until the end of this year.

Earmarked funds from the reserve funds of the state budget and extra-budgetary funds for 2020 will be used to replenish state material resources, by purchasing grain, seeds of agricultural crops, pesticides and fuel.

From April 1 to September 1, 2020, tax obligations will be suspended for tourism businesses, hotels, public catering organizations, health and sports centers, resorts, international passenger transportation companies. Accreted interest for late tax payments for this period will be eliminated.

From May 1 to August 1, 2020, small and medium-sized businesses that have completely suspended their activities in connection with the pandemic are freed from their rent payment obligations for state property.

From May 1 to September 1, 2020 it is no longer permissible to apply tax liability to business entities that have not paid social tax on time.

From May 1 to August 1, 2020, sole proprietors working in markets, shopping centers, in consumer services, including in beauty salons, fashion ateliers and tailor shops, are free from paying taxes.

From May 1 to September 1, 2020 property tax obligations are suspended for all individuals.

From July 1 to September 1, 2020, import duties (value added tax, excise taxes, etc) for medicines, protective clothing and equipment and materials necessary for the treatment of infectious diseases such as COVID-19 are suspended.

Hotel and resorts that have been housing quarantined individuals, and medical institutions that have been treating the infected are exempt from taxes for an appropriate period.

From June 1 to December 31, 2020, income tax rate for individuals will be reduced from 12 percent to 6 percent.

Prices will be regulated for consumer goods, including medicines, medical supplies, masks, antiseptics, as well as flour and flour products, sugar, vegetable oil, legumes, potatoes, soap and fuel.

Soft loans for production of food and medical supplies, especially for women entrepreneurs will be provided at the expense of the state budget and extra-budgetary funds through the state institution “Fund for State Support of Entrepreneurship under the Government of the Republic of Tajikistan.”

Until the situation stabilizes, domestic producers will be given priority for during sales of state-owned goods, works and services.

The process of implementation of electronic systems for the government will be expedited in order to ensure the possibility of working remotely.

Comprehensive assistance will be provided for solving citizens’ problems abroad.

Relevant authorities are to grant visas and work permits and registration to foreign citizens employed in Tajikistan in entrepreneurial or hired work, in the absence of epidemiological risks upon their entry.

The terms of visas for foreign citizens and stateless persons will be extended until the epidemiological situation stabilizes. Sanctions for non-compliance with the requirements of the rules of stay in the Tajikistan will not be applied.