Fund’s assistance process through digital platforms
THE Fiji National Provident Fund will be adhering to precautionary measures of COVID-19 and will carry out a bulk of the assistance process digitally.
The fund said in collaboration with Government it would be working closely with employers to roll out the assistance program for members through existing digital platforms.
FNPF chief executive officer Jaoji Koroi said the fund was reliant on employers assistance in the process of ensuring those which had been affected in the tourism sector, impacted by the physical distancing restrictions as well as members working in the lockdown areas were able to access their funds.
“These are abnormal times and we are grateful to Government for partially funding this assistance, especially for those who do not have sufficient eligibility,” he said.
“Also we are relying on the goodwill and accountability of the employers during this period, to help us deliver the assistance to their staff who have been affected.
“This is the most effective way to ensure members are able to access their funds, while at the same time adhering to health and safety regulations for COVID-19.”
The fund stated from early next week, assistance forms would be sent to the employers, who would liaise directly with their staff.
These forms was said to be completed by the affected members with the employer and then be electronically submitted with the other relevant requirements to the fund.
“We understand that the economic impact of the pandemic is far-reaching, however, we continue to plead with members to make informed decisions regarding their retirement savings,” said Mr Koroi.
Mr Koroi said FNPF was a social security institution and would stand by the members in their time of need.
“To be able to provide this assistance specifically for COVID-19, the fund has had to make amendments to our legislation, the FNPF Act 2011, which is a reflection of the extraordinary situation we are in at the moment.”