Introduction
In order to legally work in Mauritius, one is required to acquire a relevant work permit. While a Work Permit and an Occupation Permit are technically similar, there are some important distinctions between them, as well as the other types of visas and permits available to those looking to live and work in Mauritius.
In this article, we will provide a concise, step-by-step guide to the application process, and offer some insight along the way.
Determine Your Eligibility
Your first step in any permit application process is determining whether or not you’re even eligible for the permit in the first place.
There are those who may very well be exempt from applying for a work permit and would then have to attain an exemption certificate from the Employment Division of the Ministry of Labour.
Most countries will have the same eligibility determining factors, such as whether or not the person they’re hiring possesses the required skills, qualifications, and experience for the job in question, and whether or not you are displacing a qualified Mauritian worker.
Find A Job
Those with a valid job offer from a registered employer in Mauritius are eligible for work permits, and the permit must be applied for by your employer on your behalf.
Your prospective employer should also provide you with a formal job offer letter specifying details such as your job position, salary, and the duration of your employment.
Obtain A Letter of Approval (LoA)
Your prospective employer is the one who must submit your work permit application to the Economic Development Board (EDB) in Mauritius. The EDB will review the application to ensure it meets all requirements and that the job cannot be filled by a qualified Mauritian citizen.
This letter will include all relevant details about the work permit, such as its duration and any conditions of stay for the duration you aim to work in the country. It also serves as a recommendation for your work permit application.
Gather Required Documents
There is a list of required documents for a work permit application, all of which are standard, but there will be additional documents you will have to provide if applying for more specific permits.
The common documents you will typically need to provide are as follows:
- Passport with at least 6 months validity
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Educational and professional certificates
- These may need to be authenticated, translated, or notarized as required.
- Proof of the job offer and employment contract, signed by both you and your employer
- Health and police clearance certificates
- Proof of accommodation in Mauritius
- Proof of financial means to support yourself in Mauritius
- Any additional documents specified by the authorities
And of course, you will be required to submit a duly completed application form provided by the relevant Mauritian authority.
Apply For a Work Permit
Once you have successfully acquired all the necessary documentation, and your employer has signed off on the relevant forms, you can submit your work permit application to the Passport and Immigration Office or the BOI, depending on your job category.
Once it’s in, you will be required to pay the relevant application fees, which may vary based on your nationality and the type of work permit for which you are applying.
The application will then undergo a review and assessment process by the relevant authorities, the time of which will vary depending on the complexity of your application and the authority’s workload.
Depending on your subcategory of permit, and at the discretion of the authorities, you may also be required to undergo a medical examination in Mauritius to ensure you are in good health to live, travel, and work in the country.
Enter Mauritius
Once your application is approved, you will be granted entry into Mauritius and be given an Entry Permit. Upon arrival, you will need to complete the relevant immigration formalities, including registration with local authorities if required.
After your arrival in Mauritius, you will be issued a Work Permit that allows you to work legally in the country.
Renew Your Work Permit (If Necessary)
Depending on your immigration category, you may need to renew your permit or visa before it expires. Be sure to comply with all renewal requirements to maintain your legal status in Mauritius.
Conclusion and Advice
Note that the specific requirements and procedures for Mauritian work permits of any kind can change over time, and there may very well be additional requirements for some of the permit types.
It’s advised to seek assistance from the local authorities and do ample research well before the intended time of application.
Written by Simon Carletti, PR and Creative Supervisor
