Working in Mauritius

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Mauritius’ business climate is different from those of the Occident or Asia, for example.

In recent years, this small, prosperous republic has become one of the most progressive economies in Africa. Strategically located in the heart of the Indian Ocean, it is a privileged location to work and invest.

Tourism, agriculture, and financial services drive the Mauritius economy. The island nation exports textiles, sugar, and fish to countries such as France, the USA, and the UK.

It is through the services sector that Mauritius’s growth is driven and its appeal to job seekers is enhanced. Financial services, tourism, and transportation are the three major industries that offer many job opportunities for early career and senior professionals.

The low tax rate makes this country a good place to work compared to many other African countries. Mauritius provides excellent educational facilities which appeal to professionals with families.

BE ADVISED

Only successful applicants are required to pay the statutory permit fees, as prescribed by law, to the Government of Mauritius.

USEFUL INFORMATION

Applying for an Occupation Permit or a Residence Permit by Retirees on the National E-Licensing System (NELS) is free of charge.

FIND OUT MORE

EDB Website
www.residency.mu

Visas Requirements
passport.govmu.org

The Dynamic Sectors

The country’s economy was once dominated by sugar cane, but is now based on manufacturing, real estate and construction, logistics, financial services, ICT and tourism. Its dynamic environment attracts both local and foreign investors.

Which sectors are the most dynamic?

ICT
Food industry
Creative industry
Education
Financial Services
Free port and logistics
Healthcare
Life Sciences
Manufacturing Industry
Marine Economy
Real Estate & Hospitality
Renewable Energy
Sports Economy

The following sectors also deserve to be exploited:

Teaching
Medical biology
Sustainable energy
Food processing
Sea products
Ocean industry

Following are the most in-demand professions:

Cybersecurity
Software development
Writing / content creation
Web design
Communication
Marketing / Closing sales
Digital marketing

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The Republic of Mauritius has always been a welcoming home for professionals and talented foreigners.

In sectors like technology and innovation, information and communications, healthcare, and tourism, as well as finance, trade, and real estate, Mauritius offers expats a wide range of career opportunities.

If you hold a Professional Occupation Permit, you are allowed to invest in any business, as long as you are not employed by or managing the business. You also may not receive a salary from that business. Nevertheless, you may own a minimum number of shares in a business where you hold a position.

Mauritian Diaspora Scheme

In Mauritius, we are extremely proud of our Mauritian diaspora community, which we consider a valuable resource to our economy. Government introduced the Mauritian Diaspora scheme in order to encourage them to participate in the economic growth of the country.

Mauritian Diaspora members who have lived and worked outside of Mauritius, and have the necessary skills, talent, and experience, and are willing to return to Mauritius, can apply for Registration as Professionals or Self-employed under the Mauritian Diaspora Scheme.

Motivating factors

Exemption from payment of Income Tax under the Income Tax Act, during the 10 succeeding income years as from the income year in which he returns to Mauritius.
Exemption from the payment of excise duty under the Excise Act, up to a maximum of Rs 2 million on a motor car purchased in Mauritius or abroad.
Exemption from the payment of customs duty under the Customs Act and Customs Tariff Act and value added tax under the Value Added Tax Act on household and personal effects.
Exemption from the payment of registration duty under the Registration Duty Act on the first purchase of a residential property under the Smart City Scheme or the Property Development Scheme.
Successful applicants who do not hold a Mauritian Citizenship would be eligible to apply for a Permanent Residence Permit (PRP).

Young Professional Occupation Permit

Foreign students who have obtained at least an undergraduate degree in a Mauritian higher education institution are eligible to apply for a Young Professional Permit (YPOP), in accordance with defined criteria.

The YPOP is a work permit valid for a maximum period of 3 years, depending on the duration of the employment contract. The application for YPOP membership must be submitted by the Employer to the EDB.

If an employer still requires the service of the foreign employee after 3 years, the employer may apply for a professional occupation permis on behalf of the employee.

The following criteria must be fulfilled to be eligible for an YPOP:

The student must have received at least an undergraduate degree from a Higher Education Commission-accredited institution of higher learning (HEC).
The application must be filed no later than 6 months after the results are published.
The criteria under do not apply if a person possesses an YPOP and plans to change occupations before it expires.
The application for the YPOP should only be in the following areas:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Biotechnology
- Fintech
- Robotics
- Financial Services
- Information Technology

Internship

In Mauritius, finding an internship or a VIE (Volontariat International en Entreprise) can take time and effort.

Nevertheless, several agencies specialize in placing students in local companies. This option is becoming very popular as Mauritius has become a very attractive destination.

Some of the sites to visit are those of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry France Mauritius (CCIFM) and the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI).

Regarding visas, for internships of less than three months, you must apply for a tourist visa; for internships of more than three months, the employer must apply for a residence permit on your behalf.

Labor Code

The Workers Rights Act 2019 regulates the Labor Code, which is overseen by the Ministry of Labor.

A working day is legally defined as 8 hours, excluding one hour of lunch break. Overtime shall be paid as agreed with the employer. Work on a holiday is paid twice.

You will be entitled to 20 days of annual leave and 15 days of sick leave after 12 months in the same company. Minimum wage increased to Rs 11,075 since January 1, 2022 .

For more information, please visit the website of the Mauritian Ministry of Labor

About

JLSK

Our three Core Values : Transparency, Professionalism, Humanity

Present in Dubai since 2022 and in Mauritius for more than 12 years, our company has various expertises in consulting, investment and real estate services.

Our strength lies in our extensive network of experts in Dubai, Mauritius, Cyprus and Europe.

Discretion and support are our credo

In perfect symbiosis and collaboration we provide you with tailor-made advice, simple and easy to implement. Our solutions meet your specific needs as a company or individual.

We contribute to and actively participate in our client’s success.