The small, prosperous republic of Mauritius has risen to become one of the most progressive economies in Africa. Its strategic location in the heart of the Indian Ocean makes it a prime destination for work and investment. Here's everything you need to know if you want to find or have found a job in Mauritius.
Requirements for hiring expats in Mauritius
Many Mauritian companies hire expats to work in Mauritius, provided they comply with the provisions of the Non-Citizens (Employment Restriction) Act. They must, therefore, ensure that their foreign employees have a valid Residence or Occupation Permit under the “Professional” category to work and live in Mauritius. If this is not the case, the company will have to apply on behalf of the employee.
The Occupation Permit "Professional" (Employee)
The Occupation Permit allows a foreign professional to work for a company incorporated in Mauritius. The company must meet the following conditions:
- Pay a basic salary of at least Rs 30,000;
- Handle the Occupation Permit "Professional" application on behalf of the employee.
The expatriate employee must demonstrate academic and/or professional skills and qualifications relevant to the job.
Work permit for labor and non-labor jobs
Expats must contact the right person, depending on their job category. For blue-collar jobs, the work permit is issued by the Ministry of Labour, Human Resource Development and Training. Others are subject to an Occupation Permit, which is processed by the Economic Development Board.
Finding a job in Mauritius
For expats, finding a job in Mauritius need not be daunting; it is possible to apply from abroad. Nevertheless, it is strongly advised to be on the island to have a better, hands-on idea of the labor market and to take advantage of a network that has proven its worth via word-of-mouth.
If you have a specialized profile, do not hesitate to call upon the services of a headhunter whose network will be particularly extensive. What's more, this professional is often also aware of hidden opportunities, i.e., not advertised to the public but still available.
As for LinkedIn, update your profile by indicating your openness to new professional opportunities. For better visibility, change your location to Mauritius so that recruiters and companies can find you more easily.
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Expats in Mauritius and remote work
Mauritius has recently been elected as the ideal destination for remote work. Indeed, due to its efficient management of the COVID-19 pandemic, the 4G connectivity, and the arrival of 5G, remote workers have all the necessary tools to work serenely.
Being a digital nomad in Mauritius
Non-residents can work from Mauritius for a company located abroad. To do this, you will need to obtain a Premium Visa, free of charge and valid from 6 months to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal.
In return, the applicant agrees not to enter the Mauritian labor market, to have a main place of business and main source of income and profits outside Mauritius, and to prove through documents the purpose of stay, accommodation, etc.
CV and cover letter to work in Mauritius
The CV to apply for a job in Mauritius can be written in English or French. You will need to research the company to know which language is most appropriate in particular cases. It should also contain the following information:
- Name / Address, city, state, zip code / Phone number / Email address;
- Personal information: date of birth;
- Education and experience: dates / major subjects / details of degrees, training and certification / high school / university / college / technical school;
- Academic qualifications: High School / Tertiary Level / Technical Qualifications / Additional Qualifications (e.g., computer literacy);
- Work experience: List in chronological order, details of each position and dates / Work History / Academic positions / Institution or company name.
As for the cover letter, it should contain a short explanatory text, e.g., “Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to apply for the position of xxxxx advertised on xxxxxx. As requested, I am enclosing my certification, resume and 3 references”.
Tips from the Ministry of Labor, Human Resource Development and Training
- Use figures to illustrate your achievements;
- Focus on the most relevant and significant elements of your professional and academic career;
- The document should help the reader find information quickly to conclude if you are a potential candidate;
- Your resume should focus on your achievements and skills;
- Mention your 2 or 3 most relevant strengths and illustrate them with experiences and achievements;
- Present yourself as a professional with a simple email address and, if applicable, a website that highlights your relevant skills and achievements;
- Include your current home address, a personal email address and a personal phone number;
- In Mauritius, the ideal CV runs on 2 pages, 3 pages maximum;
- Include information about any advanced degrees, such as MBAs or executive programs you have attended;
- Explain any significant breaks in your career or education;
- Identify keywords from the job description and repeat them in your resume. Let the employer know that you have the specific skills mentioned;
- Include references (who have credentials - former employers, teachers and professors) and let them know they will be contacted by one or more companies in Mauritius. Send them a copy of your CV;
- Interests: keep it brief unless the interest can be an added value for the job you are interested in.
The cover letter
As for the cover letter, like everywhere else, it is meant to support the CV and make a link to the position you are interested in. Written in French or English, depending on the language of the CV, personalized and adapted to each application, it should highlight your personal motivations, but above all, your interest in the company in Mauritius, on a maximum of one page.
Average salaries in Mauritius
Based on a study by BDEEX, the average net salaries for various company categories in Mauritius saw a slight increase in 2023 compared to 2022, with variations based on company size. Here is an overview of salary trends:
In large companies (250+ employees):
- The average salary increased from Rs 30,604 in 2022 to Rs 31,750 in 2023.
In medium-sized companies (up to 250 employees):
- The average salary rose from Rs 24,416 in 2022 to Rs 24,819 in 2023.
For small companies (up to 100 employees):
- The average wage increased from Rs 19,944 in 2022 to Rs 20,435 in 2023, reflecting a rise of Rs 491.
In micro-businesses (up to 15 employees):
- The average wage increased from Rs 13,296 in 2022 to Rs 13,751 in 2023, indicating a rise of Rs 455.
In the public sector:
- The average wage increased from Rs 17,728 in 2022 to Rs 18,299 in 2023, indicating an increase of Rs 571. To enhance workers' purchasing power amid rising inflation, starting January 1, 2024, the minimum salary for a full-time employee rose to Rs 17,000 per month while the minimum income rose to Rs 20,000 (including the CSG Income Allowance).
The work culture in Mauritius
Punctuality, respect for rules, and hierarchy are required within the company.
As far as greetings are concerned, a handshake is welcome, but over time, at least with close colleagues, it will give way to a kiss on the cheeks. As a reminder, however, in pandemic times, physical contact is not recommended.
As for the professional dress code in Mauritius, it is advisable to opt for a chic and sober wardrobe, even in the summer. You should also know that the vast majority of companies are equipped with air conditioning! Don't be surprised if you are asked about your religion! Here, the question is part of local habits and is not discriminatory.
Regarding the language spoken in the workplace, it can be French, English, or Creole. In any case, Mauritians always make the effort to include everyone and will switch to French or English for better communication.
Remote work, or at least a hybrid system, is slowly entering workplace practices in Mauritius. However, you're unlikely to be given the opportunity to work remotely from the very first days of your employment.
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We do our best to provide accurate and up to date information. However, if you have noticed any inaccuracies in this article, please let us know in the comments section below.
