Official Notice on the Continuation of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for March 2021
This official communication from the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), dated 13 March 2021, provides detailed information regarding the extension and conditions of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for the month of March 2021. These schemes are part of the government’s ongoing efforts to support businesses and self-employed individuals affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during periods of lockdown and restricted activity.
Context and Scope of the Schemes
The schemes aim to provide financial relief to sectors most impacted by the pandemic, notably tourism and other industries subjected to restrictions. The continuation of these schemes reflects the government's commitment to mitigate the adverse effects on employment and income stability during the ongoing health crisis. The schemes are administered by the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA), which processes applications and disburses allowances directly to eligible recipients.
Targeted Sectors and Eligibility Criteria
Tourism Sector
For March 2021, the assistance remains fully applicable to operators within the tourism industry in Mauritius and Rodrigues. The scheme supports both employers and self-employed individuals involved in tourism-related activities.
- GWAS: Employers in the tourism sector will receive a monthly allowance equivalent to one month’s basic wage for each employee earning up to Rs 50,375, with a maximum assistance cap of Rs 25,375 per employee.
- SEAS: Self-employed individuals in tourism will receive a fixed amount of Rs 5,287.
Other Sectors
Due to the lockdown from 10 March 2021 to 25 March 2021, the assistance is extended to all other sectors affected by restrictions, with payments calculated on a half-month basis.
- GWAS: Employers, including registered charitable institutions, trusts, and foundations, are eligible for a half-month’s basic wage assistance per employee, capped at Rs 12,688 for both Mauritian and expatriate staff, whether full-time or part-time.
- SEAS: Self-employed individuals outside the tourism sector will receive a total of Rs 2,644, comprising Rs 2,550 plus a top-up of Rs 94 as the 2021 compensation.
Application Procedures and Deadlines
Employers and self-employed individuals are required to submit their applications electronically via the MRA website, www.mra.mu. Specific facilities for online applications are expected to be available shortly, and applicants are advised to monitor the portal for updates.
Self-Employed Applicants
- Individuals who previously applied for SEAS from March 2020 to February 2021 are not required to reapply for March 2021.
- New applicants for March 2021, who did not apply previously, must submit their applications as soon as the facility becomes available.
- Self-employed individuals who are ineligible for the March 2021 allowance are requested to withdraw their previous applications by 19 March 2021, using the online platform.
Payment Disbursement and Further Information
Disbursements under GWAS and SEAS will be directly credited to the bank accounts of eligible employers and self-employed persons. The process is designed to ensure swift and efficient delivery of financial aid, supporting the livelihoods of those impacted by the pandemic restrictions.
For additional details or assistance, applicants are encouraged to consult the official MRA website or contact the MRA helpdesk during working hours at +230 207 6000. The authority remains committed to providing timely support and transparent communication regarding these schemes.
References and Contact Details
This notice is issued by the Mauritius Revenue Authority, with its head office located at Ehram Court, Cnr Mgr. Gonin & Sir Virgil Naz Streets, Port Louis. Correspondence can be directed via email to headoffice@mra.mu or through the official website www.mra.mu. The scheme details and application procedures are regularly updated on the portal to facilitate citizen engagement and compliance.
