The Covid-19 pandemic crisis continues to make headlines and it has left no country unscathed. As the war against the virus rages on, Mauritius has successfully managed to contain its spread on the island thanks to the extreme measures imposed by the government in tandem with the cooperation of the public. As of the date of this writing, Mauritius is Covid-19 safe (i.e. there has not been any community transmission for the past few months). On the other hand, imported cases are promptly being identified during quarantine and are offered the necessary treatment in line with the established sanitary protocol.

On 23 October 2020, the Government of Mauritius approved the introduction of a Premium Visa (the “Visa") which would grant foreigners^* from countries listed in the Eight Schedule of the Passport Regulations i.e. those who do not require a visa to travel to Mauritius - the opportunity to reside in a covid-19 safe destination, for a one-year period which can be renewed thereafter. Previously, these foreigners could only remain on the island for a cumulative period not exceeding 180 days in a year.

In order to qualify for the Visa, the applicants should produce proof of their long stay plans as well as sufficient travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay. They should also adhere to the following:
(i) Not enter the Mauritius Labour Market;
(ii) Have their main place of business and source of income and profits outside of Mauritius;
(iii) Hold documentary evidence to support application such as purpose of visit, accommodation etc.; and
(iv) Adhere to other basic immigration requirements.
The Visa will be targeting mainly the following categories of persons:
(a) repeat tourists who had planned to retire and migrate in Mauritius before the COVID-19 pandemic;
(b) retirees in countries where COVID-19 is putting them at risk and who could be convinced to ride out in a safe destination;
(c) investors/professionals willing to come with their family and carry out their businesses or work remotely from Mauritius or offer their staff this facility; and
(d) those having their children studying in Mauritius.

Stay tuned for further updates as more information regarding the Visa (application process and guidelines) will be published by the authorities in the coming days.

In the meantime, should you have any queries on our Relocation Services, please get in touch with your usual contact person at ITL or write to us on info@intercontinentaltrust.com

*Non-citizens from countries listed in the Eight Schedule of the Passport Regulations will be eligible for the Premium Visa. Countries include: Angola, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Benin, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei Darussalam, Bulgaria, Burundi, Canada, Cape Verde, Chile, China, Congo (Brazaville), Democratic Republic of Congo, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Egypt, Estonia Republic, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Grenada, Guyana, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Kribati, South Korea, Kuwait, Latvia, Lesotho, Liechtenstein, Lithuana, Luxemburg, Macau SAR, Malawi, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mexico, Monaco, Mozambique, Namibia, Nauru, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Oman, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Russian Federation, Samoa (Western), San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Singapore, Slovenia, Slovakia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Spain, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & Grenadines, Suriname, Swaziland, Sweden, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tchad, Tonga, Trinidad & Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States of America, Vanuatu, Vatican, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

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