Official Notice: Temporary Closure of Mauritius Revenue Authority Offices Due to COVID-19 Cases
On 17 August 2021, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) issued an official notice informing the public of a temporary closure of its main facilities following the detection of COVID-19 cases among its staff. This measure aims to safeguard public health while maintaining essential tax and customs services through alternative channels.
Context and Scope of the Closure
The notice pertains to the immediate response of the MRA to the identification of COVID-19 positive cases at its Ehram Court headquarters in Port Louis and the Customs Department at Custom House in Mer Rouge. The closure is scheduled for two days, specifically on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 August 2021. During this period, extensive sanitization procedures will be undertaken to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors.
This temporary shutdown reflects the ongoing efforts of Mauritian authorities to control the spread of COVID-19 within government offices, aligning with public health directives and safety protocols. Despite the physical closures, the MRA emphasizes the continuity of essential services through digital and remote channels, ensuring that taxpayers and importers can fulfill their obligations without disruption.
Impacted Services and Alternative Arrangements
1. Electronic Filing and Payment Services
All electronic services related to tax returns, statements, and payments remain accessible via the official MRA website: www.mra.mu. Citizens are encouraged to utilize the online platform for submitting tax declarations, paying duties, and managing other fiscal obligations. The digital system provides a secure and efficient alternative to in-person visits during the closure period.
2. Customer Support and Queries
To support taxpayers during this period, MRA officers will operate remotely from their homes. The helpdesk will continue to respond to inquiries via telephone at +230 207 6000 and email at headoffice@mra.mu. Citizens are advised to prefer email communication for non-urgent queries, ensuring prompt assistance while minimizing physical contact.
3. Customs Operations
While the Ehram Court and Custom House in Mer Rouge will be closed, core customs services will remain operational at the Customs Department, Mer Rouge, with a skeleton staff to facilitate the clearance of goods. Additionally, customs services at SSR International Airport and PATS, Plaine Magnien, will operate normally, ensuring the smooth movement of goods and cargo.
For electronic declarations and duty payments, the Customs Management System (CMS) remains fully functional. Importers and exporters are encouraged to utilize this platform to submit customs declarations and handle related transactions remotely.
4. Specialized Departments
The Fiscal Investigations Department (FID) and the Objections, Appeals, and Dispute Resolutions Department (OADRD), located at Belfort Tower, will operate fully during the closure. This ensures that fiscal investigations and dispute resolutions can proceed without interruption, maintaining the integrity of tax and customs enforcement activities.
References and Authority
This notice is issued by the Mauritius Revenue Authority, an autonomous statutory body responsible for tax collection, customs, and fiscal oversight in Mauritius. The communication underscores the authority's commitment to public health and operational continuity amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
For further information or updates, citizens and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official MRA website or contact the relevant departments via the provided communication channels. The authority continues to monitor the situation closely and will provide updates as necessary to ensure transparency and service continuity.
