Overview of the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) Extension for August 2020
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has announced an extension of the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for the month of August 2020. This scheme aims to provide financial support to self-employed individuals operating within the tourism sector and related activities affected by the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting sanitary curfew measures.
Scope and Eligibility of the Scheme
Targeted Activities and Eligible Sectors
The scheme specifically targets self-employed persons involved in tourism-related activities, including but not limited to:
- Hotels, guest houses, tourist residences, and domains
- Tourist enterprises and attractions such as amusement parks, natural sites, and museums
- Commercial nautical activities involving pleasure crafts
- Travel agencies, tour operators, tourist guides, and canvassers
- Businesses deriving at least 50% of their income from goods or services to tourism sector entities
- Restaurants, pubs, or tables d’hôtes holding a tourist enterprise license
- Contract car and bus operators
- Artists and craftsmen producing and selling tourist-related products
- Licensees of the Beach Authority and persons with permits issued by the Tourism Authority or Beach Authority (excluding skippers and non-commercial pleasure craft operators)
- Taxi drivers operating at airports or based at hotels
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet specific criteria to qualify for the scheme:
- Be a self-employed individual or tradesperson of Mauritian nationality
- Be aged over 18 years
- Have been economically active for at least three months prior to the start of the sanitary curfew in Mauritius
It is important to note that the scheme is not available to:
- Employees (full-time or part-time)
- Individuals receiving a basic retirement pension
- Individuals receiving monthly social benefits
- Full-time students pursuing higher education
- Dependent spouses
- Persons who were unemployed as of March 2020
- Households with total monthly income exceeding Rs. 50,000, including passive income such as rent or dividends
- Individuals earning only passive income, such as rent
- Fishermen
Financial Support and Application Process
Support Amount and Payment Details
Eligible applicants will receive a financial grant of Rs. 5,100 for the period from 1 August 2020 to 31 August 2020. The payment will be directly credited to the bank account registered with the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA).
Application Procedure
Applicants seeking to benefit from this assistance must submit their applications online via the official MRA website at www.mra.mu. The digital platform facilitates a streamlined process, ensuring quick and secure submission of required information.
For further assistance or inquiries regarding the application process, applicants can contact the MRA helpdesk during office hours at +230 207 6000.
Additional Information and Important Notes
It is essential that applicants ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before applying. The scheme specifically targets those whose turnover has decreased by more than 50% in August 2020 compared to August 2019, with exceptions for new enterprises established after 1 July 2019.
Applicants should prepare relevant documents such as licenses, permits, and proof of income reduction where applicable. The scheme aims to support the resilience of the tourism sector and its associated industries during these challenging times.
Conclusion
The extension of the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme in Mauritius reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the tourism sector. Self-employed individuals and tradespersons within the targeted categories are encouraged to apply promptly through the official channels to benefit from this financial aid. The MRA remains committed to providing accessible support and facilitating a swift recovery for the affected sectors.
