Expat news in Mauritius
Spending Christmas in a tropical haven challenges expats to redefine the holiday spirit with ingenuity. Gone are snowy backdrops and roaring fires; instead, palm-lined beaches and vibrant sunsets set the stage. Whether honoring Saint Nicholas Day, embracing local Mauritian customs, or crafting their own unique rituals, expats find ways to keep the magic alive. Despite the sunshine and swimsuits, the essence of Christmas thrives, weaving together community, spirituality, and moments of wonder.
The Mauritian government has rolled out new measures aimed at shoring up the purchasing power of workers and retirees. Chief among these initiatives are a one-time 14th month salary payment and a wage compensation plan—actions garnering widespread attention amid mounting economic pressures.
This week brings a mix of impactful initiatives and key developments. From a vital donation drive organized by the NGO We Care to stepped-up efforts by the National Coast Guard to keep beaches safe during the festive season, there's plenty happening. On another front, Mauritius cements its position as Africa's top destination for fund domiciliation, reinforcing its status as a leading financial hub. Here's what you need to know.
Everyday life
This week in Mauritius, several significant initiatives were launched that directly impact daily life. These include measures to enhance purchasing power, protect our beaches, manage water resources effectively, and promote Creole culture.
As Mauritius gears up for year-end festivities, the news remains eventful. The launch of Farm Living in Ferney reflects the nation's ecological commitment through a groundbreaking agriresidential initiative blending housing and biodiversity preservation. Meanwhile, in Port Louis, authorities take flood-prevention measures with the planned demolition of two strategic parking lots. Simultaneously, the Bank of Mauritius has issued a warning about counterfeit foreign banknotes circulating in the country.
This week, Mauritius has witnessed several significant developments: a prospective decrease in petrol prices, the inauguration of a biogas facility in Beau Bassin, ongoing demolition works at Ruisseau du Pouce to mitigate flood risks, and the international acclaim of Mauritian photographer Joël Capillaire, a finalist in the HUAWEI XMAGE Awards 2024.
Mauritius is grappling with a critical juncture, beset by concurrent fires at two waste management facilities. These incidents starkly expose the vulnerabilities within the nation's waste treatment infrastructure.
Mauritius stands at the crossroads of economic reform as Rama Sithanen assumes the helm of the Bank of Mauritius (BoM). His appointment signals a decisive shift in monetary policy aimed at addressing the persistent depreciation of the rupee—a long-standing issue that has fueled widespread concern.
This week, Mauritius witnessed critical developments, including efforts to combat the persistent fire at the Mare Chicose landfill, the kickoff of the international testing week for sexual health, and a call for scientific projects under the Hubert Curien Partnership, furthering Mauritius-France collaboration.
Everyday life
In a landmark election that will go down in the annals of Mauritius' political history, the Alliance du Changement achieved an overwhelming victory, the likes of which hadn't been seen in over two decades. With a record-breaking turnout of 79.3%, where 795,243 of the more than one million registered voters cast their ballots, this election showcased a significant mobilization of the electorate.
Everyday life
This week in Mauritius proved eventful, marked by a spectrum of significant occurrences—from pressing environmental concerns in Curepipe and heroic sea rescues to an imminent water crisis and notable economic advancements at Emtel.
This week's news highlights include the government's decision to restrict access to social media for over 24 hours, a three-day alcohol sales ban, significant drug and firearm seizures at sea, and the anticipation of summer rains beginning in December.
Everyday life
Mauritius has confirmed its first imported case of Mpox. Also in the news, an international scandal has emerged involving phone tapping, alongside a rise in HIV and STI cases in the Indian Ocean region. Additionally, a French tourist was injured during a diving session.
Diwali, the Festival of Lights, will be celebrated on October 31st in Mauritius, symbolizing the triumph of good over evil. Among the cherished traditions of this vibrant festival, sweets hold a special place. One of the must-have treats is the ladoo—delightfully sweet little balls that bring a festive spirit to life. Today, we're sharing a simple yet indulgent recipe for Coconut and Cardamom Ladoo.
This week, Mauritius is reeling from a scandal involving leaked audio recordings that have implicated politicians, journalists, lawyers, and even judges. Adding to the tension is a rice shortage gripping the nation, while India has extended a loan to Mauritius to modernize its water pipeline system.
Leisure
Marine excursions are a staple for tourists visiting Mauritius. However, a recent incident involving two Chinese tourists has reignited discussions surrounding the presence of sharks in Mauritian waters. Should you be concerned about sharks in Mauritius? And what precautions should be taken during sea outings?
Everyday life
This week's top news features new initiatives to safeguard sperm whales and enhance safety in tourist marine activities, over 1,800 foreigners to vote in the general elections, business leaders filing their request for a judicial review on salary relativity, and a rise in tourist activity.
On October 4, the dissolution of the Mauritian Parliament set the stage for the upcoming legislative elections, scheduled for November 10. Nomination Day, when candidates officially declare their participation, is slated for October 22. Here's an overview of how the electoral process unfolds in Mauritius.
Other Types
Work
After several years in the technology sector, Benoit Debellaire returned to Mauritius with the ambition of making business management simpler for local entrepreneurs. In 2020, he founded B-Wi and later developed BoS, a Mauritian cloud-based platform designed to reduce paperwork, automate everyday tasks, and bring essential business tools into one place. In this interview, he discusses his entrepreneurial journey, the challenges of building a local tech company, and the role digitalization and artificial intelligence can play in the future of businesses in Mauritius.
Everyday life
What can you expect when you move to Mauritius when it comes to the school holidays? This will vary depending on whether you opt for an international school or a local government school; if you choose an international school, it varies again based on whether it is a French-speaking school or an English-speaking school. Before we even look at what expats do during their school holidays you need to understand how schooling works in Mauritius.
Work
From opening a startup's first international office in Dubai to scaling and selling a successful events-tech company before launching a new AI venture from Mauritius, Aymeric de Guerre has built his career around identifying opportunities and taking calculated risks. As the co-founder of Duodeal, he is rethinking how businesses create and deliver commercial proposals through artificial intelligence and interactive customer experiences. In this interview, he reflects on the milestones that shaped his entrepreneurial journey, the lessons he has drawn from working across international markets, and why he believes Mauritius has the potential to become a leading hub for innovation and startups.
Leisure
July promises to be especially lively in Mauritius despite the whims of Mother Nature. With a number of concerts, festivals, sporting competitions, electro nights, networking events, and outdoor gatherings, there will be something for everyone throughout the month. Whether you've just arrived or you're a regular on the local events scene, our selection will help you make the most of this month.
Work
In just a few years, Mauritius has built an entrepreneurial ecosystem that is visible, structured, and supported by serious public-private partnerships. But beneath this momentum, deep obstacles persist for expat entrepreneurs: a market too small to scale on one's own, funding that dries up at the worst moment, and a talent shortage that nobody had truly anticipated. An overview of a maturing ecosystem, and what it means for foreign entrepreneurs who have chosen Mauritius to grow their business.
Everyday life
What if a plane ticket could change the course of your life? For Célia Debove, that's exactly what happened. At 32, she made the bold decision to leave behind the beauty salon she had spent eight years building, her loyal clients, and the life she knew in northern France to start over in Mauritius. It wasn't an escape, but a conscious choice to live in alignment with the person she had become through years of solo travel, self-discovery, and personal growth. Now based in the south of the island, she helps travelers design meaningful experiences and encourages women who dream of traveling alone to take their first step into the unknown. In this interview, she reflects on the doubts, challenges, and opportunities that shaped her journey.
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