Mauritius attracts many international students who are looking to do an internship abroad to gain their first professional experience. Here are the different options and conditions that should be met for those who want to do an internship in Mauritius.
There are 2 possibilities for non-residents wishing to temporarily enter the Mauritian job market: the Volontariat International en Entreprise (VIE) [French or citizens of an European Economic Area (EEA) country only] and the internship.
However, the search for an internship or a VIE in Mauritius may require patience and perseverance.
Conditions for doing an internship in Mauritius
For an internship of less than 3 months, you will need to apply for a tourist visa and beyond 3 months, the employer will need to apply for a Residence Permit for Internship on your behalf.
The requirements for residence permits for internship in Mauritius are:
- Being a non-citizen looking to engage in practical training, an internship (referred to as “stage”), or a work placement to enhance skills and gain experience;
- Holding a diploma;
- Not receiving remuneration in Mauritius.
The Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) issues a Residence Permit for Interns for a maximum duration of six months. An extension of up to an additional six months may be granted, provided that a written justification is submitted.
The renewal application must include:
- a letter from the company explaining the reasons for the extension;
- a new internship agreement signed by all parties;
- a recent medical certificate;
- a copy of the initial permit;
- up-to-date bank statements;
- proof of insurance covering the extended period.
Simply begin your search for an internship by typing “Internship Mauritius” into your search engine, and you will come across a list of offers published online. You can also save interesting offers, share them, apply directly on the displayed page, and also activate the job alerts.
Do not hesitate to send unsolicited applications, especially to foreign companies located on the island. Consider looking at the websites of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) or other foreign Chambers of Commerce in Mauritius.
It is also possible to come to Mauritius on a tourist visa for face-to-face application and interview purposes only.
Work in Mauritius after your studies
International students who have obtained at least an undergraduate degree from a Mauritian institution of higher learning are eligible to apply for a YPOP, according to defined criteria.
The YPOP is a work permit valid for a maximum period of 3 years, depending on the duration of the work contract. The application for YPOP must be submitted by the Employer to the National Business Licensing Platform.
If an employer still requires the service of the foreign employee after the 3 years, the employer may apply for an Occupation Permit under the Professional category on behalf of the employee.
Eligibility criteria
The following criteria must be met to be eligible for a YPOP:
- Being the holder of at least an undergraduate degree from an institution of higher education recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC);
- Applying no later than 12 months after the date of publication of the results.
If an individual holds a YPOP and intends to change jobs before it expires, condition 2 does not apply.
We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
