Overview of the Mauritius Revenue Authority's Notice on Financial Support for SMEs (27 January 2021)
On 27 January 2021, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) issued an official notice concerning a government initiative aimed at supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Mauritius through financial assistance for salary payments during the first half of 2021. This notice, identified under the code CommuniqueFinancialSupport270121, provides essential information for eligible SMEs seeking to benefit from this scheme, which was introduced in response to the economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Context and Purpose of the Scheme
The Mauritian government, recognizing the significant impact of the pandemic on business operations and employment, has implemented various measures to mitigate economic hardships faced by SMEs. One such measure involves providing financial support to assist SMEs in paying salary compensation for their employees for the period from January to June 2021. The initiative aims to preserve employment and sustain business continuity during this challenging period.
Eligibility Criteria and Scope
To qualify for this financial support, an enterprise must meet specific criteria established by the government and the MRA:
- Type of Enterprise: The scheme is open to SMEs, which are defined as enterprises with a turnover not exceeding Rs 50 million for the financial year ending in 2020.
- Employment Status: The scheme targets full-time employees earning a basic wage or salary up to Rs 50,375.
- Export Enterprises: Special provisions apply for export-oriented businesses, which can benefit from a different refund rate and must submit specific documentation.
It is noteworthy that SMEs already benefiting from the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) for a particular month are ineligible to receive this additional support for the same period.
Application Process and Verification
Eligible SMEs wishing to access this financial aid are required to submit an application through the MRA's online portal, which will be accessible shortly via the official website. The application process involves the following steps:
- Filing an application form on the MRA website.
- Verification of submitted information by the MRA to confirm eligibility.
- Upon approval, the MRA will credit the SME's bank account with the refund amount.
The scheme stipulates specific documentation and reporting requirements, particularly for export enterprises, which are mandated to submit a Special Allowance Statement (SPAS) each month. This statement must be submitted on or before the 20th of each month and should include details of:
- Mauritian employees earning up to Rs 50,235;
- Expatriate employees earning up to Rs 10,235;
This process ensures transparent and accurate disbursement of the support funds, with the MRA conducting necessary checks before transferring the refunds.
Financial Details and Benefits
The scheme provides specific financial benefits based on employee categories:
- For Mauritian Employees: A refund of Rs 375 per full-time employee earning up to Rs 50,375.
- For Export Enterprises: A refund of Rs 235 per Mauritian citizen employee earning up to Rs 50,375, along with a direct credit of Rs 140 as a Special Allowance to each eligible employee.
These measures are designed to assist SMEs in maintaining their payroll obligations and supporting their workforce during the ongoing economic recovery efforts.
Additional Information and Contact Details
SMEs interested in applying or seeking further clarification are advised to visit the official MRA website at www.mra.mu. The MRA Helpdesk can also be contacted during working hours at +230 207 6000 for assistance related to the scheme.
This initiative exemplifies the government’s commitment to safeguarding employment and fostering resilience within the SME sector amidst the economic difficulties caused by the pandemic.
