Official Notice on the Extension of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for August 2021
On 26 August 2021, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) issued an official communication regarding the continuation of financial support measures under the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS). This notice aims to inform employers and self-employed individuals about the eligibility criteria, sectors covered, and application procedures for the extended aid for the month of August 2021, amidst ongoing efforts to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Context and Scope of the Extension
The Government of the Republic of Mauritius has decided to extend the support schemes initially introduced to assist businesses and self-employed persons affected by restrictions imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19. This extension specifically targets sectors that faced operational limitations during August 2021, providing financial assistance to support employment and livelihood sustainability.
The notice covers two primary categories: the tourism sector, which continues to benefit from full support, and other sectors that were temporarily restricted or permitted to operate under specific health protocols. The measures aim to ensure that eligible entities receive targeted aid to withstand the economic challenges posed by the pandemic.
Who Is Eligible for the Assistance?
A. Tourism Sector
Employers and self-employed individuals operating within the tourism sector in Mauritius and Rodrigues are eligible for continued financial support throughout August 2021. This includes businesses directly involved in tourism activities that were impacted by travel restrictions and other related limitations.
B. Other Sectors Affected by Restrictions
Financial assistance is also extended to entities in sectors that were not permitted to operate during August 2021. These include:
- Professional sports organizations;
- Horse racing bookmakers and outlets, casinos, and gaming houses;
- Theatres and cinema halls;
- Nightclubs licensed by the Tourism Authority.
C. Sectors Allowed to Operate Under Sanitary Conditions from July 2021
Several sectors that resumed operations from July 2021, subject to health and safety protocols, are eligible for the support scheme. These include:
- Fitness centres and leisure parks;
- Amusement centres, aquariums, and multi-purpose halls;
- Bars with a turnover not exceeding Rs 50 million in the last fiscal year;
- Religious bodies;
- Canteens of private international schools (excluding public and grant-aided secondary schools) with similar turnover limits;
- Training institutions registered under the Mauritius Qualifications Authority Act;
- Auctioneers appointed under the Sales by Auction Act;
- Food establishments such as restaurants, cafes, and caterers with turnover under Rs 50 million;
- Fee-charging educational institutions and universities;
- Self-employed individuals including market stallholders, haberdashers, hawkers, and artists who were unable to operate during the restrictions.
Application Procedures and Requirements
For Employers: Submission of Applications
Employers seeking to benefit from GWAS for August 2021 must submit a new application via the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s online portal, accessible through the official website www.mra.mu. This process involves completing the relevant application form and providing supporting documentation as required.
For Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed persons eligible for SEAS are generally not required to submit new applications for August 2021, provided they were already registered and benefiting from the scheme. However, they are encouraged to verify their status and ensure their details are up-to-date through the MRA portal.
Additional Information and Support
For further guidance on the application process, eligibility criteria, or to clarify any aspect of the scheme, stakeholders are advised to consult the Mauritius Revenue Authority’s official website www.mra.mu. Additionally, assistance can be obtained by contacting the MRA Helpdesk at +230 207 6000 during working hours or via email at headoffice@mra.mu.
This extension underscores the government’s commitment to supporting affected sectors and individuals during the ongoing pandemic, ensuring that financial aid continues to reach those most in need during this challenging period.
