Improved conditions for Mauritius occupational permits following the enactment of the 2021 Finance Act

24/08/2021

Mauritius reopened its borders to all vaccinated visitors for resort tourism since 15 July 2021 and now prepares itself to implement the second phase scheduled for the 1 October 2021. Under the second phase, all vaccinated visitors and residents with a negative PCR test will be allowed on the Mauritian territory without any restrictions.

With the reopening of its borders, and the incentives introduced during its last budget and its enactment through the Finance (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2021, Mauritius positions itself as an ideal destination for the “WORK and LIVE” lifestyle. Below is a snapshot of the incentives introduced:

The validity period for an Occupation Permit (OP) for Professionals has been extended from 3 years to 10 years
Spouses of OP holders wishing to invest or work in Mauritius are exempted from applying for an OP or work permit
The maximum age limit of 24 years for dependents has been waived
A new category, the 10 YEAR FAMILY OCCUPATION PERMIT has been introduced: Eligibility to the new category is through a contribution of USD 250,000 or its equivalent in freely convertible foreign currency to the COVID-19 Projects Development Fund.
The PREMIUM INVESTOR VISA

The premium investor scheme targets to promote the manufacturing of Pharmaceuticals product, or Medical devices or involves a minimum investment of 500 million rupees (Circa USD 12 million) in:
1. Emerging sectors
2. Pioneering industries and first movers
3. Innovative technologies and industries
4. Such targeted economic activities as the Minister may approve

These new incentives are complimentary to the recently introduced Premium Visa. The Premium Visa aims at encouraging foreign nationals to come for a long stay as a tourist, a retiree or a professional willing to come with his/her family and work remotely from Mauritius, in a COVID-safe destination.

It allows a non-citizen to stay in Mauritius for a period of one year with an option to renew.

To qualify for the Premium Visa, interested visitors should produce proof of their long stay plans and sufficient travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay while meeting the following criteria:

the applicants should not enter the Mauritius Labour market;
the main place of business and source of income and profits should be outside Mauritius;
documentary evidence to support application such as purpose of visit, accommodation etc.; and
other basic immigration requirements.

For more information, please contact us office@rosemont.mu