Overview of the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) Extension for October 2020
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has announced the extension of the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for the month of October 2020. This initiative aims to provide financial relief to self-employed individuals operating within the tourism sector who have been adversely affected by the prevailing health crisis and related restrictions. This notice outlines the scope, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for interested applicants seeking support under this scheme.
Context and Purpose of the Scheme Extension
In response to the economic impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Mauritian government introduced SEAS to support self-employed persons whose livelihoods depend on tourism-related activities. Recognizing the ongoing challenges faced by these individuals, the MRA extended the scheme for October 2020, specifically targeting sectors most affected by the pandemic-induced restrictions. The scheme provides a one-time financial grant to eligible applicants to help them sustain their economic activities during this difficult period.
Who Is Eligible for Support?
The scheme is open to Mauritian self-employed individuals and tradespersons engaged in tourism-related activities, provided they meet the following criteria:
- Nationality and Age: Must be Mauritian nationals aged over 18 years.
- Economic Activity: Must have been actively involved in their business for at least three months prior to the start of the sanitary curfew, which was introduced in March 2020.
- Licensing: Must hold the necessary license, permit, or certification issued by relevant authorities for their activity, such as tourism licenses, beach authority permits, or municipal certifications.
Activities Covered Under the Scheme
The scheme targets a broad range of tourism-related activities, including but not limited to:
- Hotels, guest houses, tourist residences, and domes;
- Tourist enterprises and travel agencies;
- Operators of pleasure crafts involved in commercial nautical activities;
- Tourist guides and canvassers;
- Businesses deriving at least 50% of their income from tourism services or goods;
- Restaurants, pubs, or tables d’hôtes licensed as tourist enterprises;
- Contract car and bus operators;
- Public attractions, amusement parks, natural sites, and museums;
- Artists and craft makers;
- Licensees of the Tourism Authority or Beach Authority (excluding skippers and non-commercial pleasure crafts);
- Stall holders selling tourist products in the Central Market, certified by the Municipal Council of Port Louis;
- Taxi drivers operating at airports or based at hotels.
Exclusions and Ineligibility Criteria
Individuals are not eligible for the scheme if they fall into any of the following categories:
- Employees, whether full-time or part-time;
- Persons receiving a basic retirement pension;
- Individuals receiving monthly social benefits;
- Persons engaged in full-time higher studies;
- Dependent spouses;
- Persons unemployed at the start of March 2020;
- Household members with a 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
Eligible applicants will receive a financial grant of Rs 5,100 for the period from 1 October 2020 to 31 October 2020. The payments will be directly credited to the applicant’s bank account. To access this support, applicants must submit their applications online via the official website of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (www.mra.mu).
Application Requirements
Applicants should prepare the following information and documents:
- Valid Mauritian National ID Card;
- Business license or relevant permit issued by the Tourism Authority, Beach Authority, or Municipal Council;
- Bank account details for the transfer of funds;
- Proof of active engagement in the business for at least three months prior to March 2020.
Additional Information and Support
For further assistance or inquiries, applicants may contact the MRA helpdesk during office hours at +230 207 6000. It is recommended to regularly check the official MRA website for updates regarding the scheme and application procedures.
Important Notes
Applications for the October 2020 extension are subject to certain conditions, particularly concerning the turnover decline. Specifically, businesses whose turnover has decreased by more than 50% in October 2020 compared to October 2019 are eligible. However, this criterion does not apply to new enterprises established after 1 July 2019. Applicants should ensure all eligibility conditions are met before submitting their application.
This scheme exemplifies the Mauritian government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable sectors and individuals during the ongoing economic challenges posed by the pandemic. Stakeholders are encouraged to utilize the online platform to facilitate swift assistance and to stay informed about future updates or extensions of the scheme.
