Mauritian diaspora in South Africa—how the tide turns

The geographical proximity of Mauritius to South Africa helped brought some 14,000 Mauritian diaspora to South Africa. Their migration mainly occurred in the late 1960s and the 1980s. Those times was when  Mauritius was taking its baby steps towards growth as an independent republic.

The Mauritian migrants to South Africa are a mixed lot. They consist of a range of talented individuals and professionals as well as trade-skilled workers.

Ties fostering migration

The strong ties between Mauritius and South Africa is a springboard to the good fortune of Mauritians who moved to Africa. Significantly, both countries are members of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM). Through this UN-related agency, Mauritius and South Africa are on the same page when it comes to their respective migration and reintegration policies.

It also helps a lot that Mauritius and South Africa are under the umbrella of the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC). Regional integration and fostering economic growth amongst SADC countries.

Mauritius and South Africa too are both members of the Commonwealth, countries consisting of the UK and former British dependencies. Citizens of Commonwealth countries enjoy some general benefits when travelling or immigrating to fellow Commonwealth nations.

Growth drivers in the private sector

The South African Chamber of Commerce in Mauritius adds to these bodies fostering strong economic ties between the two countries. Since its foundation as a non-profit in 2013, the Chamber has drawn over than 140 corporate and 62 individual members.

The Chamber has members  both  in Mauritius and South Africa. They  represents a variety of industry sectors. These include Banking, Financial Management Services, Travel, Retail, Property and Professional Services.

Private-sector activities, like those of the Chamber’s, boosted the recent strategies of the Mauritian government to harness migration as a development tool. These concerted efforts have resulted in more South Africans moving to Mauritius either as homebuyers or investors.

Repatriation platforms for the Mauritian diaspora in South Africa and other parts of the world have also been strengthened.  The Mauritian government, for example, works with the IOM in Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration Programmes. These programmes assist returning migrants to launch income-generating activities, in coordination with public and private agencies.

The government’s Economic Development Board has likewise initiated a Mauritian Diaspora Scheme. This programme recognises the country’s migrants as a valuable resource that could contribute much to the economic development of Mauritius. It thus provides plenty of incentives for Mauritian expats returning to the country and contribute their talents in growing the economy.

Continue Reading:

What’s behind the success of the Mauritian diaspora?

How to apply in the Mauritian Diaspora Scheme