Labor market in Mauritius
The business climate in Mauritius is different from that in Western countries, Asia, etc. However, this small, prosperous republic has risen to become one of the most progressive economies in Africa. Its strategic location in the heart of the Indian Ocean makes it a prime destination for work and investment. So here's what you need to know if you're looking for a new career opportunity in Mauritius as an expat.
The job market in Mauritius
The Mauritian economy is a service economy, and, not surprisingly, the labor market is dominated by this sector. The largest employers are the new technologies, information and communication, financial services, textile and tourism sectors. The most sought-after profiles are digital marketing experts, web developers, finance and FinTech experts (more information below).
Keep in mind that you need to meet certain salary requirements to work in Mauritius. However, some professions are not accessible to foreigners, such as car rental and water sports. In addition, an employer must justify hiring a foreigner, especially if the skills are available among the local population. Your added value will, therefore, be a rare skill that is difficult to find among the Mauritian workforce.
What are the most dynamic sectors in Mauritius?
Formerly driven by sugar cane, today, the Mauritian economy is based on manufacturing, real estate and construction, logistics, financial services, ICT and tourism. This dynamism has encouraged both local and foreign investors, who together contribute to Mauritius' healthy job market.
At present, apart from the public sector, there are sectors that are particularly dynamic in terms of recruitment:
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT);
- Agro-food industry;
- Creative industry;
- Education;
- Financial services;
- Freeport and logistics;
- Health & Wellness;
- Life Sciences;
- Manufacturing;
- Marine Economy;
- Real Estate & Hospitality;
- Renewable Energy;
- Sports Economy.
Other sectors to explore:
- Education;
- Medical biology;
- Sustainable energy;
- Agri-food industry;
- Sea products;
- Ocean industry.
As for the most sought-after professions:
- Cybersecurity;
- Software development;
- Writing/content creation;
- Web design;
- Communication;
- Marketing/sales;
- Digital marketing;
- Civil engineering.
Which sectors, in particular, are best for expatriates in Mauritius?
Several sectors stand out from the rest by being particularly favorable to the recruitment of expatriate profiles: information technology, pharmaceuticals, financial services, education, construction and real estate.
Information technology: the Côte d'Or Data Technology Park project and its 12 specialized centers are expected to create many jobs in the ICT sector. Several profiles will be needed, for example, in sustainable technologies, advanced sciences, technical training, etc.
Pharmaceutical sector: research and development in this sector is quickly evolving in Mauritius, especially since the government has set up various incentives and facilities for companies specializing in life sciences.
Financial services: the introduction of new financial products will require the recruitment of specialists. There are also plans to create a venture capital market for SMEs.
Education: Mauritius aspires to become a center of higher education in Africa and to reach 100,000 international students. To achieve this, it needs strong academic profiles.
Construction and real estate: These 2 sectors are among the economic pillars of Mauritius. The country continues to focus on real estate development, which is, overall, conducive to jobs in construction and property management.
Requirements to hire expats in Mauritius
Many Mauritian companies hire expatriates to work in Mauritius provided they comply with the provisions of the Non-citizens (Employment restriction) Act. They must therefore ensure that their foreign employees have a valid residence permit or Occupation Permit under the “Professional” category to work and live in Mauritius. If this is not the case, the company will have to apply on behalf of the employee.
The Occupation Permit "Professional" (Employee) in Mauritius
The Occupation Permit allows a foreign professional to work for a company incorporated in Mauritius. The company must meet the following conditions:
- Pay a basic monthly salary of more than sixty thousand rupees (Rs 60,000) or a minimum of thirty thousand rupees (Rs 30,000) for the ICT (Information and Communication Technology), BPO (Business Process Outsourcing), Pharmaceutical Manufacturing and Food Industry, Accounting and Fund Compliance Services sector.
- Handle the Occupation Permit "Professional" application on behalf of the employee.
- The expatriate employee must demonstrate academic and/or professional skills and qualifications relevant to the job.
Work Permit for labor and non-labor jobs in Mauritius
Expatriates must contact the right person, depending on their job category. For blue-collar jobs, the work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labor and Industrial Relations. Others are subject to an Occupation Permit, which is processed by the Economic Development Board.
