Working in Mauritius

Mauritius has flourished to be one of the most progressive economies in Africa after years of underdevelopment. The island nation in the Indian Ocean has one of the world’s largest Exclusive Economic Zones, making it a top destination for foreign investors and workers.

Mauritius has 1.3 million people and around 536,500 employment population. In 2015, the unemployment rate was at 7.4% whereas the number of youth without work is raising concerns. 40% of all jobless Mauritians are aged 25 years and below, and around 36% are looking for their first jobs. Despite the relatively high jobless rate, Mauritius recently topped the Index of Economic Freedom in the investment freedom category and ranked 8th among the freest economies in the world. Mauritius also ranked 49^th out of 190 countries in the 2017 World Bank Doing Business Report.

Leading Industries and Job Opportunities

The Mauritian economy is fuelled by tourism, textiles, sugar production and financial services. Around 4.5% of the national Gross Domestic Product comes from the agriculture and fishing industry followed by the construction which is accountable for 30% and restaurants and hotels which represents 36% of the country’s GDP. In recent years, local and foreign investors infused massive capital into information and communication technology, hospitality, renewable energy and property development.

The major employers in the country, aside from the public sector, include telecom company Emtel, Mauritius Telecom, Essar Energy, Phoenix Beverages and the Harel Mallac Group. Several top multinational companies also have a presence across Mauritius. These firms include Barclays, Johnson & Johnson, Microsoft, IBM, HP, Hilton Resort, Ford and Chevrolet. Currently, Mauritius-based employers are in immediate need for the following:

• Sales Representatives
• Business Development Managers
• Economists and Financial Analysts
• Drilling and Highway Engineers
• Quantity Surveyors
• Logistics Staff
• Hospitality Staff
• Healthcare Assistants

Average Salary and Work Hours

The current minimum wage in Mauritius is MUR 607 or USD 17 per week for an unskilled employee in the Export Processing Zone (EPZ) while an unskilled worker outside the EZP has a minimum weekly wage of MUR 794 or USD 22.40. Average salaries, on the other hand, can significantly differ based on one’s qualifications and occupation. Below are some of the job categories in Mauritius along with their average monthly wages:

Normal working hours in Mauritius are from 9 am until 5 am or eight hours per day. Overtime work should have a mutual consent between the employer and the employee whereas the worker should be given at least 24hour heads up before the proposed overtime work. Employees who will work on a public holiday are entitled to earn twice his per hour rate for each of the hours rendered on that particular day. After 12 months of consecutive employment, an expat working in Mauritius should be entitled to 20 days (plus additional two days) of annual leave and 15 days of sick leave.

The Mauritian Work Culture

Overall speaking, the Mauritian business protocol strictly demands punctuality especially when it comes to attending important meetings. Appointments should be made several days in advance followed by a confirmation at least 24 hours before the set date. A handshake is a customary greeting in Mauritius and expats can shake the hands of their local colleagues or bosses before and after a business meeting. Dress codes are conservative whereas smart casual in dark colours is the common outfit among employees.

Business cards are widely used in the Mauritian corporate world and must be handed out after the meeting and not while being introduced. Exaggerated praises are not appreciated in the local work culture and maintaining eye contact with someone (unless you want to emphasise a point) is considered rude and impolite. Expats in this country should remember that Mauritian business people want their personal space to be respected and they do not like it when someone stands too close to them. Also, avoid asking direct personal questions such as income, occupation and background.