Mauritius: Proposed Changes to Occupation, Retiree, Work and Residence Permits and New Online System Forthcoming

The Mauritian Minister of Finance has announced several immigration measures in the 2023/2024 budget address. The announced measures include, among others, a 120-day stay duration (currently 90 days) for the occupation work permit category and reduced related application fees; a new rule allowing investors to apply for an investor’s permit without providing proof of their investment at the time of the application; the ability for students from all fields of study to be eligible for the Young Professional Permit; a new rule allowing foreign retirees to no longer provide a certified bank statement showing proof of funds from their home country; a rule allowing retirees’ caregivers to become eligible for the Premium Visa; and the introduction of the National Electronic Licensing System, an online portal which aims to streamline work permit applications. These measures are likely to pass in parliament. However, the implementation date of the proposed measures has not yet been announced. We will report on related developments when the measures pass.