Mauritius has introduced a new Premium Visa, valid for a period of one year and renewable. This measure was announced by the Mauritius cabinet last Friday to encourage eligible visitors come to Mauritius for long stays.
Meanwhile, the highest sanitary standards and protocols are being maintained to ensure the sanitary safety of visitors as well as nationals and to ensure that Mauritius remains a COVID-safe destination.
This measure offers a lifeline for the travel and tourism sector in Mauritius amidst global travel disruptions following the outbreak of COVID-19. It is an opportunity for operators of the Mauritius tourism sector to come up with innovative packages to attract visitors as well as digital nomads. The island is deemed COVID-safe and, with its modern infrastructure, would be an ideal spot for them to work remotely in all serenity.
The Premium Visa allows for visitors from countries listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Passport Regulations. The following categories of visitors are eligible:
- Repeat tourists who had planned to retire and migrate to Mauritius before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Retirees seeking a COVID-safe haven.
- Investors and professionals who wish to come with their family and work remotely from Mauritius. They also have the possibility to offer this facility to their staff members.
- Visitors who have children studying in Mauritius.
In order to qualify for the Premium Visa, visitors must provide evidence of their long stay plans and must have adequate travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay. The visitor’s main place of business and source of income should be outside Mauritius. They will not be allowed to enter the Mauritius Labour Market. All other entry requirements for Mauritius will also apply.
