Once again the work permit project for expat spouses with Occupation Permit has been abandoned. What does this mean for expats or future expats?
“It would have saved me around Rs 20,000 in paperwork,” says Etienne. French expat in Mauritius for three years, Etienne recently had to apply for a work permit when his wife already holds an Occupation Permit. He is not the only one to wait until the spouses of Occupation Permit holders are eligible for a work permit. Moreover, this is the second time in two years that this project has been announced, initiated and eventually abandoned, and it was definitely abandoned makes us understand the Economic Development Board (EDB).
“I’m not sure an expat will want to relocate to Mauritius if their partner can’t take a job. I just had a ten-year Occupation Permit. I don’t think anyone will want to spend 10 years on the island when their partner can’t work, ”said Klein, a Togolese expat who took up IT jobs in Mauritius. Sarah, expat spouse, for two years in Mauritius is currently looking for a job in Mauritius. The latter, who worked for a long time in education in France, followed her husband who received a job offer on the island. The latter, a new mom, has given herself time to get back to work. Today Sarah wants to get back to work and help with family expenses. However, the education sector does not recruit foreigners and despite her willingness to change courses, she is struggling to find employment.
“It is complicated. I don’t see myself being a stay-at-home mom for ten years, ”she argues.
If the spouse can find employment and apply for the Occupation Permit on their own, they must have advanced skills that are hard to find on the island. The talents who will have the best chance of finding a job are those operating in the field of ICT, Offshore, Finance or even executive in tourism. “I remember one of our executives who moved to Mauritius with his wife who did not have any specialized skills. They quickly left because she was having trouble finding a job and she even considered working illegally because she didn’t like being able to work ”recalls a French businessman who has been living in Mauritius for twenty years.
If the spouse can find employment and apply for the Occupation Permit on their own, they must have advanced skills that are hard to find on the island. The talents who will have the best chance of finding a job are those operating in the field of ICT, Offshore, Finance or even executive in tourism. “I remember one of our executives who moved to Mauritius with his wife who did not have any specialized skills. They quickly left because she was having trouble finding a job and she even considered working illegally because she didn’t like being able to work ”recalls a French businessman who has been living in Mauritius for twenty years. .
The aim of the bill was to attract sharp foreign talent and there are questions in circles whether this abandonment will not make future expatriates tick. “It also means that companies will have to shell out more since only a cash flow is guaranteed and the candidate will think twice before accepting a salary,” argues a Mauritian entrepreneur.
