Attractions

Mauritius is a small island nation in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and mainland Africa. It has one of the strongest economies and one of the most stable democracies in Africa. It has one of the highest standards of living in Africa.

This small country has recently attracted a lot of attention because of it's very generous tax rules. And foreigners can now buy property through one of the government's schemes: the Permanent Residence Scheme (PRS), Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), and Scheme to Attract Professionals for Emerging Sectors (SAPES).

Economy

The Mauritian economy is based on four sectors: Textile, Tourism, Sugar and Services.

Mauritius is poised for significant changes in the next 10 years as wide-ranging infrastructure projects come to the fore and developments flourish in the real estate and hospitality sectors. Over the last couple of years Mauritius has re engineered its Hospitality & Property Development sector. The country has opened up acquisition of freehold property to foreigners and this has resulted in a burst of new transactions in the real estate market accompanied by an influx of foreign capital.

Tourism

The tourism sector is the fastest growing sector in the island with an annual growth rate of around 10% per annum. Current arrivals are in the order of 700,000 tourists per year and the government has initiated major enabling measures (airport expansion, liberalisation of air routes, etc.) with the objective to increase this figure to 2 million arrivals per annum over the next decade.

Culture

Mauritius is a blend of diverse cultures and religions. The population consists of Hindus, Creole, Chinese, Muslims and Europeans.

Language

Most people in Mauritius are bilingual and are equally fluent in English and French. Creole and French are the main languages in the everyday environment and several oriental languages are also spoken.

Climate

Summer ranges from November to April and Winter is from May to October. The best area to stay in summer would be along the east and south eastern coasts because of their direct exposure to the general winds known as the south east trade winds.

Health

Free public medical facilities are widely available. Private clinics provide medical services for a fee.

Travel

Direct flights are available from South Africa, London, Paris, Dubai, Amsterdam, India, China and many other countries around the world.

Visas

You don't need a visa to enter Mauritius if you are a citizen of the EU, the USA, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand and a number of other countries. You can find more information on the website pmo.gov.mu/dha/ministry/novisa.htm. Initial entry is granted for a maximum of one month. If you change your departure plans, make sure you don't exceed your permitted stay.

Extensions for a further three months as a tourist are available from the Passport & Immigration Office (210 9312; fax 210 9322; Sterling House, Lislet Geoffrey St, Port Louis). Applications must be submitted with one form, two passport-size photos, your passport, an onward ticket and proof of finances. Two letters may also be necessary - one from you explaining why you want to stay longer, and one by a local 'sponsor' (it can be someone providing accommodation). Providing you can satisfy these demands there should be no further problems, but since the police are responsible for passport control, and quite a few visitors overstay their entry permits, there are 'get tough' periods.

Useful Links

• http://www.boimauritius.com/
• pmo.gov.mu/dha/ministry/novisa.htm

Real Estate Development Scheme

Acquisition of freehold residential property in Mauritius by foreigners is now more accessible. The experience of natural beauty and balanced lifestyle that could only be encountered on a rare holiday is possible. The two options open to non-Mauritians are:

Integrated Resort Scheme
Under the Integrated Resort Scheme (IRS), Luxury villas and other residential properties can be sold freehold at a minimum price of 500,000 USD to foreigners who, de facto, receive a residence permit. The few IRS villas put on the market so far have proved very popular, with overnight reservations and sales.

Real Estate Scheme
Under the Real Estate Scheme (RES), residential units are sold to non-citizens at no minimum price. However, acquisition of property worth at least 500, 000 USD entitles the purchaser a residence permit. This scheme is targeted mainly for those investors, retirees and professionals, who want to invest, work and live in Mauritius or to those people who want to have a second home or holiday retreat in Mauritius.

History of Mauritius

The island was discovered by the Arabs, who called it the Dinarobin. Many years thereafter, the Portuguese arrived and named it "The Isle of the Swan", perhaps because of the Dodo bird. Then it was taken over by the Dutch who called it Mauritius after one of their royal members. They were the first to attempt to colonise the island. The French then arrived in 1715 and called the island "Ilse de France". They started trading and cultivating sugar cane maximising the slave trade. A century later, Mauritius regained its Dutch name when the English took over and the island remained a British colony until its independence in 1968. Mauritius is now a well respected republic and well acclaimed democracy, with seats on various international organisations.

The island is volcanic although the main crater, the Trou aux Cerfs is now as extinct as the Dodo, which was unique to the island. The adventurous will discover many rivers and streams as well as lakes, waterfalls and mountains very typical of a volcanic island. Many types of activities can be organised to make the most of these beautiful areas.