GENERAL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
DO RESIDENTS GET ANY BENEFITS SUCH AS PENSION, FREE EDUCATION, AND FREE HEALTH?
Residents do get benefits by virtue of their statuses as residents or tax residents. However, some benefits may also be conditional on additional factors – length of the residency, etc. The benefits need to be addressed individually and their conditions assessed accordingly.
IS A FOREIGN CITIZEN ALLOWED TO OWN BEACHFRONT PROPERTY AS IN THE PAST WASN'T ALLOWED?
You are allowed to buy property in Mauritius but there is a general rule that non-citizens require to prior authorisation from the Prime Minister’s Office in order to do so. Some properties are under schemes which are exempt of this authorisation process.
DO RESIDENTS GET ANY BENEFITS SUCH AS PENSION, FREE EDUCATION, AND FREE HEALTH?
IS A FOREIGN CITIZEN ALLOWED TO OWN BEACHFRONT PROPERTY where IN THE PAST it WASN'T ALLOWED?
Residents do get benefits by virtue of their statuses as residents or tax residents. However, some benefits may also be conditional on additional factors – length of the residency, etc. The benefits need to be addressed individually and their conditions assessed accordingly.
You are allowed to buy property in Mauritius but there is a general rule that non-citizens require to prior authorisation from the Prime Minister’s Office in order to do so. Some properties are under schemes which are exempt of this authorisation process.
ARE THERE RETIREMENT UNITS IN SMART CITY ON THE COAST?
There are retirement-based schemes currently being developed but we cannot confirm if any are on the coast.
ARE THERE PLATFORMS IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR WHERE ONE CAN SEARCH FOR JOB AVAILABILITY?
There are no specific platforms.
ARE THERE RETIREMENT UNITS IN SMART CITY ON THE COAST?
ARE THERE PLATFORMS IN THE FINANCIAL SERVICES SECTOR WHERE ONE CAN SEARCH FOR JOB AVAILABILITY?
There are retirement-based schemes currently being developed but we cannot confirm if any are on the coast.
There are no specific platforms.
ANY INDICATIONS AS TO WHEN BORDERS WILL BE OPENING?
Borders are expected to open from 01 September 2020.
HOW LONG CAN A SA TOURIST STAY IN MAURITIUS FOR CONTINUOUSLY, AND HOW MANY TIMES A YEAR CAN YOU ENTER FOR THIS DURATION OF STAY?
180 days on a tourist visa. You can enter as many times as you want provided you do not overstay your number of visa days.
ANY INDICATIONS AS TO WHEN BORDERS WILL BE OPENING?
HOW LONG CAN A SA TOURIST STAY IN MAURITIUS FOR CONTINUOUSLY, AND HOW MANY TIMES A YEAR CAN YOU ENTER FOR THIS DURATION OF STAY?
Borders are expected to open from 01 September 2020.
180 days on a tourist visa. You can enter as many times as you want provided you do not overstay your number of visa days.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT IN MAURITIUS IF YOU HAVE A WORK PERMIT?
Yes.
NOW THAT SA IS UNDER LOCKDOWN, DO WE BY ANY CHANCE HAVE AN IDEA OF WHEN PETS CAN BE RELOCATED?
Mauritian borders are set to reopen in September 2020 but there may be restrictions inbound travel which we will only be aware of closer to September.
IS IT POSSIBLE TO OPEN A BANK ACCOUNT IN MAURITIUS IF YOU HAVE A WORK PERMIT?
NOW THAT SA IS UNDER LOCKDOWN, DO WE BY ANY CHANCE HAVE AN IDEA OF WHEN PETS CAN BE RELOCATED?
Yes.
Mauritian borders are set to reopen in September 2020 but there may be restrictions inbound travel which we will only be aware of closer to September.
WHAT IS THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE?
The unemployment rate is around 7%.
IS THERE A SHORTAGE OF PARTICULAR SKILLS?
Within specific sectors there are.
WHAT IS THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE?
IS THERE A SHORTAGE OF PARTICULAR SKILLS?
The unemployment rate is around 7%.
Within specific sectors there are.
IS THERE A WIDE RANGE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION AVAILABLE AND IS IT INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED?
We have quite a few recognised tertiary institutions in Mauritius including affiliation to UK universities (Middlesex for e.g.) or French universities (Paris-Sorbonne for e.g.)
I KNOW THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SPECIFICALLY THOSE SPECIALISING IN NEURO-DEVELOPMENT. WHAT ASSISTANCE IF ANY IS AVAILABLE.
The options available are either in investing in an existing company or applying for existing positions at Mauritian companies.
IS THERE A WIDE RANGE OF TERTIARY EDUCATION AVAILABLE AND IS IT INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED?
I KNOW THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SPECIFICALLY THOSE SPECIALISING IN NEURO-DEVELOPMENT. WHAT ASSISTANCE IF ANY IS AVAILABLE.
We have quite a few recognised tertiary institutions in Mauritius including affiliation to UK universities (Middlesex for e.g.) or French universities (Paris-Sorbonne for e.g.)
The options available are either in investing in an existing company or applying for existing positions at Mauritian companies.
I KNOW THAT THERE IS A NEED FOR EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGISTS AND SPECIFICALLY THOSE SPECIALISING IN NEURO-DEVELOPMENT. WHAT ASSISTANCE IF ANY IS AVAILABLE.
The options available are either in investing in an existing company or applying for existing positions at Mauritian companies.
WHAT'S MAURITIUS POLICY REGARDING CRYPTO CURRENCY INVESTMENT
There is no specific endorsement of cryptocurrency investments or as a payment method by the Bank of Mauritius. They have cautioned that investors must be mindful of the risks. 2) The Financial Services Commission has a licence for digital assets that can help businesses looking to set up trading of digital assets (not quite the same as use of cryptos for currency) – some information can be found on their website. 3) Any revenue from cryptocurrencies will typically be treated as an asset by the MRA and liable for tax – so in you are looking to convert to fiat and bringing to a Mauritian bank account
WHAT'S MAURITIUS POLICY REGARDING CRYPTO CURRENCY INVESTMENT
WHAT IS THE SCHOOLING SYSTEM LIKE AND ARE THERE PRIVATE SCHOOLS?
There is no specific endorsement of cryptocurrency investments or as a payment method by the Bank of Mauritius. They have cautioned that investors must be mindful of the risks. 2) The Financial Services Commission has a licence for digital assets that can help businesses looking to set up trading of digital assets (not quite the same as use of cryptos for currency) – some information can be found on their website. 3) Any revenue from cryptocurrencies will typically be treated as an asset by the MRA and liable for tax.
We have a very competitive schooling system which covers the UK education regime (O’Levels/A’Levels) as well as private schools which cater for IB.
WHAT IS THE SCHOOLING SYSTEM LIKE AND ARE THERE PRIVATE SCHOOLS?
We have a very competitive schooling system which covers the UK education regime (O’Levels/A’Levels) as well as private schools which cater for IB.
DO SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS NEED TO HAVE A SEPARATE WILL FOR THEIR ASSETS IN MAURITIUS, TO FACILITATE DISTRIBUTION WHEN A PERSON PASSES ON?
It is not strictly necessary, however it is the prudent approach to take to ensure that one’s estate is dealt with as is intended. Thus, a Will for South African assets and a Will handling all foreign assets is important – these Will’s should correlate with one another.
DO SOUTH AFRICAN CITIZENS NEED TO HAVE A SEPARATE WILL FOR THEIR ASSETS IN MAURITIUS, TO FACILITATE DISTRIBUTION WHEN A PERSON PASSES ON?
IS MAURITIUS A SAFER ALTERNATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA?
It is not strictly necessary, however it is the prudent approach to take to ensure that one’s estate is dealt with as is intended. Thus, a Will for South African assets and a Will handling all foreign assets is important – these Will’s should correlate with one another.
Mauritius, being an island, has a naturally sealed border which makes it safer than most countries. In addition, Mauritius has a low-density population of 1.2 million over 2030 km2 and has a long established and well served public health care system. Early testing and confinement helped combat Covid-19 with over 10,000 tests (given the population) conducted and just 329 cases, of which 261 have been treated effectively. The curve is expected to have flattened already.
IS MAURITIUS A SAFER ALTERNATIVE TO SOUTH AFRICA?
Mauritius, being an island, has a naturally sealed border which makes it safer than most countries. In addition, Mauritius has a low-density population of 1.2 million over 2030 km2 and has a long established and well served public health care system. Early testing and confinement helped combat Covid-19 with over 10,000 tests (given the population) conducted and just 329 cases, of which 261 have been treated effectively. The curve is expected to have flattened already.
HOW IS THE QUALITY AND CAPACITY OF HOSPITALS COMPARED TO SOUTH AFRICA?
Mauritius has a total of 16 hospitals and clinics, with a bed capacity of 3560. The government has also made the senior care homes and some hotels available as quarantine spaces. One of the national hospitals has been completely converted to treat COVID-19 patients. Additionally, more doctors, nurses have been deployed, and personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and medical supplies have been increased. Lastly, a house-to-house campaign has been initiated to vaccinate the elderly for the seasonal flu.
HOW IS THE QUALITY AND CAPACITY OF HOSPITALS COMPARED TO SOUTH AFRICA?
WHAT IS THE COMPARISON OF RATE TO CRIME IN MAURITIUS VS SOUTH AFRICA?
Mauritius has a total of 16 hospitals and clinics, with a bed capacity of 3560. The government has also made the senior care homes and some hotels available as quarantine spaces. One of the national hospitals has been completely converted to treat COVID-19 patients. Additionally, more doctors, nurses have been deployed, and personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and medical supplies have been increased. Lastly, a house-to-house campaign has been initiated to vaccinate the elderly for the seasonal flu.
Crime in Mauritius is less than half the rate of South Africa. Violence is lower in general, a combination of relative economic vibrance, decent education, rule of law and deployment of technology (over 9000 public camera points).
WHAT IS THE COMPARISON OF RATE TO CRIME IN MAURITIUS VS SOUTH AFRICA?
Crime in Mauritius is less than half the rate of South Africa. Violence is lower in general, a combination of relative economic vibrance, decent education, rule of law and deployment of technology (over 9000 public camera points).
IS THERE A SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNITY IN MAURITIUS, SO THAT IT WON’T BE A COMPLETE CULTURE SHOCK UPON ARRIVAL?
Is there a South African community in Mauritius, so that is won’t be a complete culture shock upon arrival? The South African community is well integrated to the Mauritian lifestyle, with communal housing, schooling as well as #SAFFAS across various business sectors.
Mauritius is a bilingual country (French/English), therefore English is a common language of communication. There are support groups with a large following on Facebook for the South African community in Mauritius.
IS THERE A SOUTH AFRICAN COMMUNITY IN MAURITIUS, SO THAT IT WON’T BE A COMPLETE CULTURE SHOCK UPON ARRIVAL?
WHAT IS THE COST OF LIVING IN MAURITIUS?
Is there a South African community in Mauritius, so that is won’t be a complete culture shock upon arrival? The South African community is well integrated to the Mauritian lifestyle, with communal housing, schooling as well as #SAFFAS across various business sectors.
Mauritius is a bilingual country (French/English), therefore English is a common language of communication. There are support groups with a large following on Facebook for the South African community in Mauritius.
Possibly lower for high income groups but taxation is a big differential for residents with an individual tax rate of 15%.
Short summary of cost of living in Mauritius:
- Family of four estimated monthly costs: ₨123,527 (ZAR58,355.15).
- Single person estimated monthly costs: ₨51,624 (ZAR24,397.87).
Conversion rate as of 17 September 2020 – ZAR1 = MUR2,50
COST OF LIVING IN MAURITIUS?
Possibly lower for high income groups but taxation is a big differential for residents with a flat individual tax rate of 15%.
Short summary of cost of living in Mauritius –
- Family of four estimated monthly costs: ₨123,527 (ZAR58,355.15).
- Single person estimated monthly costs: ₨51,624 (ZAR24,397.87).
Conversion rate as of 22 April 2020 – ZAR1 = 2,15 ₨ (Rupee)
ACCESSIBILITY FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO MAURITIUS?
Mauritius is a 4 hour flight from South Africa and there are 5 available flights per week. This makes it feel like home (away from home).
ACCESSIBILITY FROM SOUTH AFRICA TO MAURITIUS?
HOW BIG/ACCESSIBLE IS MAURITIUS?
Mauritius is a 4 hour flight from South Africa and there are 5 available flights per week. This makes it feel like home (away from home).
It is a small island and you are able to travel easily from one side to the other. Different tourist and local hotspots are all within a 65 km radius across the island.
HOW BIG/ACCESSIBLE IS MAURITIUS?
It is a small island and you are able to travel easily from one side to the other. Different tourist and local hotspots are all within a 65 km radius across the island.