How has COVID-19 changed life in Mauritius?
How Mauritius dealt with the Covid pandemic
Mauritius started quarantining all passengers arriving from China on January 21, 2020 - a week before the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 as an international public health emergency. It became apparent that it was vital for the small yet densely populated country to control the entry of international travelers amid such a health crisis. Hence, Mauritius immediately introduced temperature checks and mandatory quarantines for visitors from high-risk countries. The first three cases in Mauritius were recorded on March 18, 2020, and the following day, borders closed. On March 24 2020, Mauritius announced a complete lockdown. Citizens could only leave their homes in an emergency, and shopping was managed in alphabetical order by surname. Work was conducted from home unless employees held a work access permit issued by the police. These measures, which were not applauded by everyone, have echoed Mauritius' description as an open and COVID-19-safe country.
What is the current situation in Mauritius?
To date, more than 90% of the island's population has received 2 doses of the Covid-19 vaccine, and approximately 2/3 of adults over the age of 18 have received their booster dose.
This has allowed Mauritius to fully and safely open its doors to all travelers. As a result, as of July 1, 2022, foreign visitors no longer need to be tested or self-isolate to stay in Mauritius.
Has there been any changes in the issue of permits for expats in Mauritius?
The pandemic has led to significant changes regarding the issue of permits for non-citizens. From now on, the Work Permit and Residence Permit are combined into one permit. Also, the validity of the Occupation Permit (OP) and the retiree Residence Permit has been extended from three years to ten upon renewal.
Regarding the amounts and salaries required to obtain a permit, the minimum investment sum for an Occupation Permit has been reduced to USD 50,000 (from USD 100,000). Also, the minimum monthly salary to obtain an Occupation Permit has been reduced to USD 30,000 (from 60,000). Here, we should mention that for employees of IT companies, the minimum amount was USD 30,000 even before COVID-19. The investment amount required to become a Permanent Resident has been reduced to USD 375,000 from USD 500,000. Expats who have a Residence Permit through one of the real estate schemes do not require an Occupation or Work Permit to invest or work in Mauritius.
Mauritius has also introduced the Family Occupation Permit (under section 14 of the Immigration Act 2022 and section 13(1)(b) of the Economic Development Board Act 2017). This permit allows foreigners and their dependents (including their spouse, dependent children, parent, other dependent, or such other person working exclusively for the family unit) to become a resident of Mauritius for a period of 10 years upon application. The applicant's spouse is allowed to work and/or invest in Mauritius upon the issue of the permit.
How did the pandemic impact the Mauritian labor market?
According to Statistics Mauritius, employment in Mauritius is gradually bouncing back to the pre-pandemic level.
Are schools open in Mauritius, and how do they operate?
All schools in Mauritius (pre-primary, primary, and secondary) resumed face-to-face classes on July 1, 2020. After the pandemic, the school calendar resumed to its initial form, the first term being from January to early April, the second term being from late April to July, and the third term ending in early November.
All universities have reopened for study in Mauritius, including for international students.
What is the Mauritian real estate market like after the pandemic?
During the lockdown, between March and June 2020, buying a property in Mauritius or renting wasn't a priority either for Mauritian citizens or expats. Purchase and rental requests dropped significantly due to COVID-19, and many sellers chose to pause property sales until the situation stabilized globally. Despite difficulties, real estate pricing hasn't been impacted thanks to the government's support measures, such as lower loan interest rates heavily. However, interest rates have risen significantly over the past few months, which is now impacting the real estate market. Mauritian real estate is a major investment sector; it isn't as fragile as other investment types, though.
How do health services operate in Mauritius?
Mauritius citizens and expats don't have to worry about exposure to major health risks common in other African countries. At the same time, the health system is efficient and fully functional. To date, only a few new Covid cases are reported weekly, and treatment is done at the ENT Hospital in Vacoas.
Can expats obtain a driver's license in Mauritius?
Yes, the formalities and conditions for obtaining a driver's license in Mauritius have not been affected since the pandemic.
Are shops, bars, and restaurants open in Mauritius?
Yes, alll bakeries, supermarkets, street markets, shops, malls, bars, cafés, and restaurants are open without any sanitary regulations. Dining indoors and outdoors is permitted. Mauritius' leisure activities are mostly related to the sea, the beach, and outdoor activities. Beaches, fairs, casinos, gyms, and cinemas are open too.
How does the transportation system operate during the pandemic?
The wearing of masks is no longer required in public transportation in Mauritius. Buses operate normally between 5 AM and 9 PM, the Metro Express between 6 AM and 7 PM on weekdays, and up to 10 PM from Friday to Sunday.
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Can pets travel to Mauritius?
Air Mauritius allows the transportation of pets in Cargo for pets that travel alone and as checked luggage for pets accompanied by a passenger. Prior to travel, pets must be in good health, have vaccination certificates, and have an import permit to enter Mauritius.
Last update on 26 March 2023 13:01:39