Mauritius Tightens Rules for Work Permits and Residency Applications

Mauritius has just announced new immigration rules that make it more difficult for foreign workers, investors, and retirees who want to live or work on the island. The Finance Minister Dhaneshwar Damry introduced the changes, which impact three main permits:

• Occupation Permit
• Young Professional Permit
• Permanent Residency

Occupation Permit for Investors Now Reviewed Midway

Until now, investors who qualified for an Occupation Permit were granted 10 years without much scrutiny after the initial approval. That has changed. The Economic Development Board (EDB) will now assess investor performance at the five-year mark.

If revenue levels fall short, the permit can be revoked. Those who meet the targets will maintain their status until Year 10, when another review occurs. This change ties the permit to ongoing business performance rather than a one-time approval.

Minimum Salary Set for Young Professional Permit

The Young Professional Permit, designed for recent graduates and younger foreign workers, will now have a salary requirement. Applicants must earn at least MUR 25,000 per month to qualify.

This is a major change because there was no minimum salary before. The goal is to ensure that the permit draws skilled professionals who can fill valuable positions in the Mauritian economy.

Permanent Residency Gets Stricter

Mauritius is also tightening the path to permanent residency. Previously, non-citizens could apply after holding a valid permit for three years. That period has now been extended to five years.

Apart from this, applicants must now meet higher income and investment levels. The exact requirements depend on whether they are applying as investors, professionals, self-employed workers, or retirees.

What This Means for Applicants

Current permit holders should prepare for increased scrutiny during renewal processes, particularly those in the investor category who will face the new five-year review system.

Prospective applicants need to factor in higher financial requirements and longer commitment periods when planning their Mauritius residency strategy. The changes especially affect those who saw Mauritius permits as a relatively easy way to secure backup residencies.

Young professionals need to negotiate salaries above MUR 25,000 with potential employers and keep proper documentation to prove they meet the new requirements.

Final Thoughts

The updated framework shows that Mauritius is aiming to attract serious, committed foreign residents instead of passive permit holders. This might lower the total number of applications; however, it will likely lead to better economic contributions from foreign residents who choose to make Mauritius their home.