This week's updates bring a mix of relief and optimism, with financial support measures unveiled for businesses, a notable drop in vegetable prices, a surge in tourist arrivals, and the rollout of a new digital identity card.
Wage adjustment relief: Support measures announced for businesses
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has outlined the criteria for financial assistance related to the wage relativity adjustment, spanning from July 2024 to June 2025. This support targets export-oriented enterprises (EOEs), manufacturing companies with a turnover of less than Rs 500 million for 2022-2023, and SMEs with annual revenue not exceeding Rs 100 million.
EOEs are eligible for a full 100% refund for full-time employees earning a basic salary below Rs 20,000 as of January 2024. Companies facing financial difficulties may also qualify for 100% or 50% reimbursement. Notably, newly hired employees post-January 2024 may be eligible based on their salary brackets.
Employers must maintain a distinct record of these salary adjustments and include them in their monthly CSG reports. Detailed information can be accessed on the MRA website.
Consumers rejoice: Vegetable prices plummet by up to 50%
There's good news for consumers as vegetable prices have seen a substantial drop in recent weeks. Some items have plummeted by as much as 50%, with most others seeing reductions of around 25%.
Currently, love apples are priced at Rs 20 per half kilo, while giraumon is available for Rs 30 per half kilo. Carrots are now Rs 15 per half kilo, with green beans ranging between Rs 40 and Rs 50 per half kilo. Lettuce is being sold at Rs 25 apiece, and chouchou is priced between Rs 15 and Rs 25 per half kilo.
Favorable weather conditions over the past few months, coupled with an absence of major crop diseases, have contributed to bountiful harvests. This trend is expected to persist until early summer.
Tech advancement: Digital identity card launched
On Thursday, August 29th, the government unveiled the mobile version of the national identity card, now accessible via the MWA mobile application. This innovative application is set to streamline administrative tasks, allowing users to sign documents electronically, report address changes, or declare the loss of their physical ID card. It's important to note that using the digital ID card remains optional.
Tourism boom: Over 800,000 visitors between January and mid-August 2024
Mauritius' tourism sector continues its robust recovery. Between January and mid-August this year, the island welcomed 800,950 visitors, marking an increase of over 50,000 compared to the same period last year, which saw approximately 750,000 visitors. The French market leads the charge, contributing over 200,000 tourists, while more than 500,000 European visitors graced Mauritius during this period.
