Mauritius gives keen attention to its migrants, a comforting thought for Mauritians with family members working or living abroad. The country, for instance, works with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) regarding the welfare of the Mauritian diaspora.

The IOM, an intergovernmental organisation related to the UN, notably maintains an office in Port Louis. Since 2009, it has assisted in the reintegration of Mauritian returnees. This effort is being undertaken through various Assisted Voluntary Return and Reintegration (AVRR) programmes.

Such activities have already facilitated the return and integration of some Mauritian migrants from the UK, Ireland, and Poland. AVRR programmes focus on providing returnees social and economic assistance to help them start income-generating pursuits after their homecoming.

The governments of migrants’ countries of origin cooperate not only with key UN agencies. Regional and global NGOs assisting migrants also participate in AVRR programmes.

Scheme for migrants’ homecoming

The Mauritian government, for its part, introduced a Mauritian Diaspora Scheme to encourage a homecoming for the country’s migrants. The government offers juicy incentives to Mauritian diaspora who qualify and register under this scheme.

Migrants eligible in this programme should be Mauritian passport holders and living and working abroad before March 24, 2015. The children and grandchildren of the Mauritian diaspora may also qualify whether they hold a Mauritian passport or not. They should be at least 24 years old though.

The government’s Economic Development Board (EDB) screens applications to the Mauritian Diaspora Scheme. The EDB’s screening criteria essentially centre on an applicant’s potential to contribute to the country’s economic growth. The board will consider the applicant’s field of specialisation, skills, expertise, talent, experience, salary or investment, amongst other qualifications.

10-year income tax holiday

The government has opened a potentially fruitful homecoming for Mauritian diaspora registered under the scheme. These returning migrants enjoy many tax exemptions. After returning to the country, a 10-year tax holiday applies to their income earned within or outside Mauritius.

Scheme-registered migrants can also import or bring in a car subject to excise duty exemption of up to MUR2million. The personal and household belongings that they bring in moving to Mauritius are also tax-exempt.

Mauritian diaspora returning home can also find an enticing selection of residential properties now available in the country. This is especially true in projects under the government’s real estate development schemes. Notably, at least 25 per cent of the unit sales in two of these programmes should be for Mauritians or members of the Mauritian diaspora.

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How to apply in the Mauritian Diaspora Scheme

Where Mauritian diaspora fit most in a homecoming