Economic Freedom Report

Mauritius has been ranked 9th globally in the Economic Freedom of the World Report (“EFW”) for the year 2022, published by the Fraser Institute, Canada. Previously ranked on the 11th position as per the 2021 report, Mauritius has improved its positioning and is now amongst the top 10 countries in...

Mauritius achieves full compliance to the 40 FATF recommendations

At the 22nd Eastern and Southern Africa Anti-Money Laundering Group (ESAAMLG) Council of Ministers meeting held on 2 September 2022, Mauritius was successfully enhanced on the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Recommendation 15 (new technologies) to ‘Largely Compliant’. This was the only outstanding recommendation where Mauritius still had a position...

Virtual assets and initial token offering services

The Virtual Assets and Initial Token Offering Services Act 2021 (hereinafter referred to as the Act) was introduced on 07th February 2022 with an aim to promote Mauritius as an international financial centre of excellence and adapt with the digital revolution. The Financial Services Commission (“FSC”) is responsible as regulator...

Variable Capital Company (VCC)

The process of making a law of Variable Capital Companies Act (‘VCC Act’) in April 2022 characters yet another landmark for Mauritius as it strengthens its position as the International Financial Centre of choice for the region. The introduction of the Variable Capital Company (‘VCC’) which was announced in April...

Entry requirements (As from 01 July 2022)

As from 1 July 2022, irrespective of the vaccination status, individuals are no longer required to provide a negative PCR test result prior to coming to Mauritius and in addition, no test for covid is required upon arrival in Mauritius. It is worth noting that the wearing of mask is...

Streamlining the procedures for OPs and YPOPs

As a measure for business facilitation, Mauritius allows foreigners various opportunities to obtain residence permit in Mauritius, in the form of Occupation Permits (OP) and Young Professional Occupation Permits (YPOP), to work and live on the island. In this respect, the Government of Mauritius has made the process for the...

Amendments to Competency Standards with respect to Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Compliance Officer

The Financial Services Commission brought several amendments with regards to the Competency Standards in June 2022 and it concerns mainly the competency requirements for the appointment of Money Laundering Reporting Officer, Deputy Money Laundering Reporting Officer and Compliance Officer. The amended competency requirements are as follows: The Officers shall hold...

Foreign nationals wishing to work, live or retire in Mauritius

Foreign nationals wishing to work, live or retire in Mauritius may explore various avenues either through the Occupation Permit, the Residence Permit or the Permanent Residence Permit. 1. Occupation/residence PermitThe Occupation Permit (OP), which is a combined work and residence permit, allows non-citizens to reside and work in Mauritius. Non-citizens,...