Overview of the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) Extension in Mauritius
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has announced an extension of the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for the month of July 2020. This initiative aims to provide financial support to specific categories of self-employed individuals impacted by the economic disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The notice, issued on 24 July 2020, details the eligibility criteria, eligible activities, and application procedures, offering crucial guidance for affected Mauritian self-employed persons seeking assistance.
Scope and Purpose of the Scheme Extension
The primary objective of this extension is to support self-employed individuals in the tourism sector and related activities, which have been significantly affected by travel restrictions and social distancing measures. The scheme offers a one-time financial grant of Rs 5,100 to eligible applicants for the period from 1 July 2020 to 31 July 2020. This measure complements existing government efforts to mitigate the economic impact on vulnerable segments of the self-employment community.
Who Is Eligible for the Assistance?
To qualify for the scheme, applicants must meet specific criteria outlined by the MRA:
- Self-employed Mauritian nationals aged over 18 years who have been economically active for at least three months prior to application.
- Individuals who hold a valid licence or permit from the relevant authorities to operate within the designated activities listed below.
Eligible Activities
The scheme targets a broad spectrum of tourism-related activities, including but not limited to:
- Hotels, guest houses, tourist residences, and domains;
- Tourist enterprises and travel agencies;
- Operators of pleasure crafts engaged in commercial nautical activities;
- Tourist guides and canvassers;
- Businesses deriving at least 50% of their income from goods or services sold to tourism sector entities;
- Restaurants, pubs, or tables d’hôtes holding a tourist enterprise licence;
- Contract car and bus services;
- Public attractions, amusement parks, natural sites, and museums;
- Artists involved in tourism promotion;
- Holders of licences or permits issued by the Tourism Authority or Beach Authority, excluding skippers and non-commercial pleasure craft operators;
- Persons engaged in handicrafts and stallholders in the Central Market selling tourist products;
- Taxi drivers operating at the airport or based at hotels.
Note that some categories, such as restaurants and attractions, are subject to a turnover decline of over 50% compared to July 2019, unless the business was established on or after 1 July 2019.
Ineligibility Criteria
The scheme explicitly excludes certain groups from benefiting, including:
- Employees, whether full-time or part-time;
- Individuals receiving a basic retirement pension;
- Persons receiving monthly social benefits;
- Individuals pursuing full-time higher education;
- Dependent spouses;
- Individuals who were unemployed as of March 2020;
- Household members with a total monthly income exceeding Rs 50,000, including passive income such as rent, dividends, or interests;
- Persons earning only passive income from business activities;
- Fishermen.
Application Process and Payment Details
Eligible self-employed persons and tradespersons are invited to apply via the official online portal of the Mauritius Revenue Authority at www.mra.mu. The application process is streamlined to facilitate quick access to the support scheme, with all payments directly credited to the applicant's bank account.
Applicants are encouraged to prepare necessary documentation, including proof of activity, licences or permits issued by relevant authorities, and bank details, to ensure a smooth application process. For additional assistance or inquiries, the MRA helpdesk can be contacted at +230 207 6000.
References and Further Information
This notice, identified by the code CommuniqueSEAS240720, is part of the Mauritian government's ongoing efforts to support the tourism sector and self-employed individuals during challenging times. The official communication from the Mauritius Revenue Authority emphasizes the importance of adhering to the eligibility criteria and submitting applications within the stipulated period to benefit from this financial aid.
Citizens are advised to consult the official MRA website and stay informed about future extensions or related support measures, as the government continues to adapt its response to the evolving economic landscape.
