Intercontinental Trust Ltd (ITL) organised an exclusive webinar at the end of April entitled “Global Uncertainty, Strategic Choices: Mauritius, a Safe and Trusted Business & Relocation Hub", bringing together leading experts to discuss Mauritius’ positioning as a safe, credible and strategic platform for investors, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth families and internationally mobile professionals. The webinar also provided an exclusive platform to present the new Mauritius Golden Visa Scheme, recently launched by the Economic Development Board (EDB). Held against a backdrop of geopolitical tensions, market volatility and evolving global regulatory frameworks, the webinar addressed a question that has become central for many investors: how can one protect capital, structure activities and consider relocation in a stable, well-regulated jurisdiction that remains connected to the world?

Moderated by Françoise Chan, Executive Director of ITL, the panel brought together speakers from complementary sectors, including law, real estate, taxation, international structuring, economic development and wealth management.

Opening the discussion, Françoise Chan placed the debate within the current context of capital movements and relocation decisions. She highlighted a question that has become essential for international investors and families: where can one protect capital while benefiting from political stability, the rule of law, a recognised financial framework and an attractive quality of life? This reflection set the tone for the webinar.

Mr Sachin Mohabeer, Deputy CEO of the EDB, joined as guest speaker to present the main features of the new Mauritius Golden Visa Scheme, as well as its benefits for individuals considering Mauritius as a destination for residence, investment or business establishment. Alongside Mr Sachin Mohabeer, the panellists included Jonathan Tagg, Director of Pam Golding Properties; Priscilla Balgobin-Bhoyrul SC, Senior Partner at Dentons Mauritius; Fazeel Soyfoo, Partner at Andersen in Mauritius; and Willem du Preez, Executive Director of ITL.

The Mauritius Golden Visa Scheme: a flexible gateway to Mauritius

Presented as a simple, fast and flexible programme, the Mauritius Golden Visa Scheme offers eligible individuals a renewable two-year residence permit, allowing them to explore Mauritius before making more structured decisions regarding relocation, property investment, professional activity or wealth planning.

The fully digital application process aims for approval within approximately five working days. The programme is aimed, among others, at professionals working remotely for foreign companies, subject to a minimum monthly income requirement. It also covers family members, including spouses and children up to the age of 24, subject to certain conditions.

Beyond its administrative simplicity, this new scheme reflects a broader trend: international mobility is no longer driven solely by tax optimisation, but by a more holistic reflection on security, continuity, quality of life and wealth preservation.

As Fazeel Soyfoo, Partner at Andersen in Mauritius, aptly noted during the discussion: “The conversation has moved from tax planning to life planning. And life planning is much more interesting, but also much more permanent."

This shift reflects a structural recalibration: decisions made today are no longer merely transactional; they shape how families live, work and transfer wealth across generations.

Mauritius: stability, substance and credibility

The discussions highlighted the strength of Mauritius as a jurisdiction built on political stability, the rule of law, judicial independence and a regulatory framework aligned with international standards. According to Priscilla Balgobin-Bhoyrul, Senior Counsel, these elements are fundamental advantages for individuals wishing to establish themselves or structure their activities from Mauritius.

The webinar also recalled that Mauritius has significantly strengthened its framework in recent years, particularly through enhanced requirements relating to economic substance, compliance and tax transparency. This evolution now allows the jurisdiction to position itself not only as a platform of efficiency, but also as one of legitimacy.

A destination where strategy and quality of life meet

The discussion also focused on Mauritius’ appeal as a place to live. For international families, relocation decisions are rarely based on a single factor. They combine rational considerations — taxation, legal certainty, connectivity and wealth structuring — with more human factors, such as education, healthcare, the environment and quality of life.

Jonathan Tagg, Director of Pam Golding Properties, highlighted this dual dimension, explaining that Mauritius’ appeal lies both in its lifestyle offering and in the financial and wealth planning solutions it enables. The development of the education ecosystem, with the growing presence of international schools and globally recognised curricula, is also a determining factor for families considering long-term relocation.

The healthcare sector, which is moving upmarket, was also identified as an important element in the relocation equation, particularly for families and individuals seeking a destination that is pleasant, safe and functional.

From a stable and secure environment to a strategic platform

According to Willem du Preez, Executive Director of ITL, international clients are increasingly looking for jurisdictions that can offer continuity, security, connectivity and flexibility. In this context, Mauritius stands out for its ability to offer both an attractive lifestyle and tailored structuring solutions, including Global Business, Family Offices, centralised purchasing structures, Regional Headquarters, among others.

What emerged clearly from the webinar is that Mauritius is no longer perceived solely as a safe haven in times of uncertainty. It is increasingly establishing itself as a strategic platform for investors and families seeking to combine stability, mobility, substance and long-term vision.

Through this initiative, ITL reaffirms its role as a trusted partner in assisting international clients who wish to understand, structure and optimise their presence in Mauritius.