Official Notice: Financial Support for Salary Compensation in 2023 for EOEs and SMEs
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has issued an official notice on 9 February 2023 concerning the provision of financial assistance aimed at supporting Export Oriented Enterprises (EOEs) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in meeting their salary obligations for the year 2023. This initiative is part of the government's ongoing efforts to mitigate economic challenges faced by businesses, particularly in the context of recent global and local economic fluctuations.
Scope and Eligibility Criteria
This financial support scheme is applicable to SMEs and EOEs that meet specific criteria related to their financial performance and employee wages. The assistance covers the period from January 2023 through December 2023, including the end-of-year bonus payments. To qualify, enterprises must adhere to the following conditions:
- SMEs: Enterprises with a turnover not exceeding Rs. 100 million for the assessment year 2021/2022.
- EOEs: Enterprises primarily engaged in export activities, with specific eligibility based on their profit margins and wage structures.
Details of the Financial Support
The scheme offers a subsidy per full-time employee, with the amount varying based on the enterprise type, employee wages, and financial health:
Support for SMEs
- Rs. 500 per employee: For SMEs with a monthly basic wage not exceeding Rs. 51,775, which are either loss-making or whose profit for the assessment year 2021/2022 would be reduced by more than 50% when the salary support is factored in.
- Rs. 250 per employee: For SMEs with a monthly basic wage not exceeding Rs. 51,775, where the profit reduction is between 10% and 50% for the same assessment year.
Support for EOEs
- Rs. 300 per employee: Applicable to Mauritian citizens earning up to Rs. 51,635 monthly, or expatriate employees earning up to Rs. 51,775 monthly. This amount is in addition to the Rs. 140 special allowance provided to Mauritian employees of EOEs.
It is important to note that if an enterprise qualifies as both an SME and an EOE, the more favorable support amount will be applied.
Application Process and Implementation
Eligible enterprises are required to pay the salary compensation to their employees monthly, in accordance with applicable legislation, and subsequently apply for the financial support via the official electronic platform on the MRA website. The process involves:
- Accessing the dedicated online portal once the facility is available on www.mra.mu.
- Submitting the necessary documentation and application details electronically.
- Undergoing verification by the MRA.
- Receiving the approved financial support credited directly into the enterprise's bank account.
The scheme emphasizes the importance of timely and accurate application submissions to ensure prompt processing and disbursement of funds.
Additional Information and Support
For further details regarding the eligibility, application procedures, or any other inquiries related to this scheme, enterprises are encouraged to visit the official MRA website or contact the MRA Helpdesk at the provided phone number during working hours. The official communication underscores the government's commitment to supporting businesses in sustaining employment and mitigating economic impacts during the ongoing fiscal year.
This initiative reflects the broader policy framework aimed at fostering economic resilience and social stability through targeted financial interventions, leveraging digital platforms to streamline administrative procedures and enhance accessibility for all eligible enterprises.
