Official Notice on Non-Citizen Worker Fees in Mauritius
This official notice, issued on the 29th of December, 2025, by the relevant Mauritian authorities, provides essential information regarding the new fee obligations for employers employing non-citizen workers within the country. The notice is part of the government's ongoing efforts to regulate employment and immigration policies, ensuring compliance with the provisions set out in the Finance Act 2025.
Scope and Objective of the Notice
The primary purpose of this notice is to inform all employers about their legal obligation to pay an annual non-refundable fee for each non-citizen worker employed. It aims to clarify the applicable fee amount, the procedure for payment, and the administrative process involved in obtaining or renewing residence permits for non-citizen employees.
This measure is designed to enhance the oversight of employment practices involving non-citizens, ensuring that the government can effectively manage immigration and labour market regulations while generating revenue to support related administrative functions.
Legal Basis and Applicability
The obligation for employers to pay this fee stems from Section 15 (1) of the Finance Act 2025. According to this provision, “Every employer who has in his employment a non-citizen worker shall pay such annual non-refundable prescribed fee per non-citizen worker to the Director General of Immigration.”
All employers across sectors and industries that employ non-citizen workers are subject to this regulation. This includes both private and public sector entities, regardless of the size of the workforce.
Details of the Fee and Payment Procedure
Fee Amount
- The prescribed fee is set at five hundred rupees (RS 500) per non-citizen worker per year.
Payment Process
- Employers must make the payment prior to the issuance or renewal of residence permits for their non-citizen employees.
- The payment is to be made at the cashier’s office located on the 8th floor of the Residence Permit Section, Public Information Office (PIO).
- Payment must be accompanied by relevant documentation, including the list of non-citizen workers and their details, to facilitate proper recording and processing.
Required Documentation
- Official payment receipt issued by the cashier’s office.
- List of non-citizen employees, including their names and passport or identity document numbers.
- Any other documentation requested by the Immigration Department for verification purposes.
Implications for Employers and Non-Citizen Workers
This new fee requirement signifies a formalization of the process for employing non-citizens in Mauritius. Employers are advised to integrate this payment into their administrative procedures to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties or delays in processing residence permits.
For non-citizen workers, this measure may impact their employment conditions, as employers will need to allocate funds for the annual fee. It is essential for workers to be aware of this obligation, especially when applying for or renewing their residence permits.
Enforcement and Compliance
Failure to comply with the payment requirement may result in administrative sanctions, including delays or denial of residence permit issuance or renewal. Employers are encouraged to maintain accurate records of all payments made and to ensure timely compliance with the legal obligation.
The Immigration Department and the Public Service Commission (PSC) are responsible for overseeing the enforcement of these provisions and providing guidance to employers and workers as needed.
Summary
In summary, the notice emphasizes that from the date of issuance, all employers employing non-citizen workers in Mauritius must pay an annual fee of RS 500 per worker. Payments should be made at the designated cashier’s office before processing residence permits. Employers are urged to adhere strictly to this regulation to ensure smooth administrative procedures and legal compliance.
For further information or assistance, employers and workers are advised to consult the official communications published by the Department of Immigration or visit the relevant government portals.
