Mauritian
Diaspora Scheme

Mauritian Diaspora

The Mauritian Diaspora Scheme is an initiative of the Government of Mauritius to attract members of the Mauritian Diaspora back to Mauritius to participate in the economic development of the country.

Categories of applications

A member of the Mauritian diaspora may apply for the scheme under one of the following categories: professional, self-employed and young professional, which best reflects the nature of this activities in Mauritius and meets the eligibility criteria defined.

Application for the MDS

An application for a Mauritian Diaspora Certificate shall be made by a member to the Economic Development Board

Either at any time before he returns to Mauritius; or
not more than 180 days from the date he starts his first employment in Mauritius or from the date of registration of his first business in Mauritius.

A member of the Mauritian Diaspora who has returned to Mauritius on or after 15 March 2022 but before the coming into operation of the Economic Development Board (Mauritian Diaspora Scheme) Regulations 2023 shall 365 days from the date he starts his first employment in Mauritius or registers his first business in Mauritius be eligible to apply for a certificate under the Scheme.

An application for a Certificate under the Mauritius Diaspora Scheme must be submitted to the Economic Development Board.

Important Notes

Applying for an Occupation Permit or a Residence Permit by Retirees on the National E-Licensing System (NELS) is free of charge. In addition, the Economic Development Board does not charge any fees for processing of applications for these permits. Only successful applicants are required to pay the statutory permit fees, as prescribed by law, to the Government of Mauritius.