DOMAINE DE PLAISANCE
WORKING IN MAURITIUS
A fast-growing economy that has done well even in the poorest of global conditions is always good news for the job-seeking expat. Thankfully, Mauritius maintains an advantageous position in this respect. Mauritius is one of the big success stories of the region, with a robust economy that has consistently performed well in recent years, despite the global, economic downturn, with growth of 3.3%, expected to rise to 3.5%.
Legislation to work in Mauritius
In order to settle and work in Mauritius, medical examinations must be carried out beforehand. The 3 tests (HIV, hepatitis B surface antigen and chest X-rays) must be carried out in Mauritius by private laboratories or private clinics registered with the Ministry of Health and Quality of Life. The others (haemoglobin and complete haematological examination, hepatitis B surface antigen, anti-HIV AIDS screening test, VDRL test – Venereal Disease Research Laboratory, urine analysis for albumin and sugar, stool test for Parasites, chest x-ray, performed and certified by a radiologist) must be carried out within 3 months before the file is filed. The legislation to work in Mauritius is clear: the work permit will be refused if the medical examination detects a contagious or infectious disease.
Work Permit Mauritius
The applicant who has entered the country with a tourist visa will not be allowed to work in Mauritius! It should be ensured that approval of work and residence permits has been obtained before undertaking the trip to Mauritius. Only Mauritian or foreign companies incorporated in Mauritius are entitled to apply for a work permit and residence permit for a foreigner. The application may be lodged only for a skilled worker performing a specific job, on a full-time basis and for a specified period of time. The application for a work permit and residence permit is made at the same time. The company must first apply to the Ministry of Labor. After agreement in principle, the process can start. A security deposit is required (40 000 rupees for the Europeans).
A contract must be drawn up and the work permit may not exceed 4 years, except in a free zone where it may be for up to 5 years. Only a few specialties allow expatriates to stay longer, provided they agree not to apply for Mauritian nationality and pay a deposit of 20,000 rupees. No deduction can be made from wages, with the exception of compulsory levies. In Mauritius, a minimum wage of 45,000 rupees (1,115 euros) has been set by the government for expatriates, with the exception of the ICT sector, where it is set at 30,000 MRU (around 750 €).
The working hours are 40 hours per week. The weekly rest is two days, fifteen paid holidays, and fourteen days of annual leave are granted.
Job Seeker?
The sectors with strong employment potential in Mauritius are those of information and communication technologies, the bio-medical industry, the seafood processing industry and aquaculture, energy Sustainable development, real estate development, architecture, the ocean industry, and agri-food. Activities not accessible to a foreign national are those related to water sports, car rental and the sugar cane industry.
How is the labor market in Mauritius?
Very attractive. Lots of opportunities with interesting schedules and salaries. Moreover, the European diplomas are very appreciated, since Mauritius does not have as wide a variety of training as in Europe.
The market for new technologies is booming, Mauritius embarking on the creation of “smart cities” and being one of the most important digital platforms in Africa, making the bridge between Europe and Asia. The island is considered a “Hub” in the middle of the Indian Ocean.
Find jobs in Mauritius
One can easily find his happiness and visa issues are quickly settled. Not much difficulty in finding accommodation at a lower cost. However, the salary often depends on the level of the diploma and the experience and can vary according to the nationalities. So, you need to know before signing a contract.
Master several languages, too. Most Mauritians are minimum trilingual (Creole, English and the language of their community, even French in addition).
Cost of living in Mauritius
Taxes are paid directly from the wages. The accommodations are much cheaper than in France and if you want, you can get a meal for 5 euros. We take the bus or taxi and the tropical fruits are worth less than a kilo of apples in France…
However, if you intend to eat the same as in France, the budget will be more important because Mauritius does not produce the same commodities and must therefore import wine, dairy products, beef, etc. And all this has a price.
In concrete terms, how much does it cost to have a good living comfort in Mauritius?
Between 30,000 rupees and 40,000 on average. That makes roughly between 600 and 850 euros a month.
