Because of its islands, beaches, and strong economical position, Mauritius is a desirable destination for immigrants. If foreign nationals want to enter Mauritius to work or have a plan to run a business there or are on investment visas for Mauritius, there will be a need for a bunch of employees. A person willing to go to Mauritius on a work permit, or an employer who wants to take the employees to Mauritius, will need a work permit for Mauritius.
Types of work permits in Mauritius
Along with a work permit, you have to get a residence permit too to stay in Mauritius. An occupation permit is a combination of a work permit and a residence permit that allows you to live and work in Mauritius.
Foreign people from three categories can stay and work in Mauritius;
Generally, you are eligible if you;
To get a work permit for Mauritius, an applicant should be 20 to 60 years. But workers with specific expertise will be exempted from this requirement. Documents include;
When to Apply
To avoid any inconvenience, it's better to apply 1 to 2 months before you have to start the work.
How to Apply
To apply for the work and residence permit to be employed in Mauritius, the applicant has to fill out the forms for both permits. Forms are available on the site of the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment, and Training. Applications are submitted online via the e-Work Permit Portal.
After entering the permit portal, applicants have to register themselves and then follow the application procedure. There is a common application for both permits but the permits are issued by separate working bodies. The residence permit is issued by Passport & Immigration Office while the work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations, Employment, and Training.
An employer can also apply on the behalf of the employee. If the company applies for the first time, a complete application with a certificate of bylaws of the company has to be submitted.
Visa Processing Time
If all the documentation is correct, it takes an average of 2 weeks to process the visa.
Duration
It can range from 1 to 5 years according to the nature of the permit.
Fees
There are different fees depending on the duration of the permit or the country of the applicant. For precise information, contact the relevant Mauritius embassy in your region.
The work permit for Mauritius is extendable. You have to apply for an extension at least one month before the expiry of the original work permit.
Can you study on a work permit?
A work permit for Mauritius doesn't allow you to study there.
Can you get citizenship on a Mauritian work permit?
After completion of 3 years, you can apply for a residence permit of 10 years.
Are dependents allowed on a work permit?
Yes, dependents are allowed on a Mauritian work permit.