Residence permit

HI!
Hope u guys can help me! I recently got married to Mauritian citizen.We got married in Mauritius. We visited immigration  office to obtain residency but they told me I need one more document to submit my residency application. Immigration officer assured me that I can legally work in the country while waiting for residence permit, but when I tried to apply for jobs,they told me I need the residency card in order to work. Its bit confusing. Do i really need to wait for that , or its legal requirement of companies to employ residents?
Best regards
Joanna

Call the Ministry of Labour on 210 2370-75. They'll be able to advise you.