COVID-19 : MAURITIUS BUSINESS RESPONSE
NEWS & UPDATES
SOLIDARITY FUND FRAMEWORK (02/05/2020)
Further to the Communiqué issued on 08 April 2020 by the COVID-19 Solidarity Fund, the Managing Committee is pleased to inform the public that the Framework and Operating Guidelines have been finalised.
The Framework and Operating Guidelines, which set the basis for applicants to submit their requests for support/assistance online, are available on the website of the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA): www.mra.mu.
Members of the public are invited to submit their applications accordingly.
Mode of Application
All applications for assistance should be submitted online to the MRA on the
following URL addresses:
- (i) Individuals:
https://eservices.mra.mu/csfInd/individuals
- (ii) Organisations/ Institutions:
https://eservices.mra.mu/csf/organisations_institutions
Any request for information should be sent by mail at: covid19sf@govmu.org.
EXTENSION OF CURFEW PERIOD (30/04/2020)
The curfew period for the Island of Mauritius is extended from 4 May 2020 at 8pm to 1 June 2020 at 8pm in order to prevent a possible resurgence and further spread of coronavirus. However, some activities may resume as from 15 May 2020.
Supermarkets will be open until 8pm but the alphabetical order will still be maintained. It should be noted that shopping malls and arcades will remain closed.
Banks, bakeries, hairdressing salons and hardware shops (quincailleries) will be able to open and operate strictly within the health regulations, on allocated days; A-F (Monday and Thursday), G-N (Tuesday and Friday) and O-Z (Wednesday and Saturday).
MRA - EXTENSION OF SCHEMES (15/04/2020)
Extension of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme and the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme
The Government of the Republic of Mauritius has decided to extend the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) to cover the period 1st of April 2020 to 30th of April 2020, and the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) to cover the period 16th of April 2020 to 30th of April 2020.
BOM - MORATORIUM ON LOANS (15/04/2020)
With respect to moratoriums on loans granted by commercial banks, the Bank of Mauritius is issuing today 15th of April 2020, clarification of the moratoriums for respective categories. The moratoriums announced by the Bank of Mauritius are deferments of the repayment of capital and interest, where applicable, on loans for a specified period of time.
These moratoriums aim at temporarily alleviating the financial constraints of those businesses, households and individuals currently experiencing difficulties over the scheduled repayment of loans as a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Applicants wishing to benefit from the moratorium on their existing loans must make a request to their respective commercial bank.
ISSUANCE OF CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN (14/04/2020)
FURTHER TO NOTICE DATED 23 MARCH 2020, ECONOMIC OPERATORS ARE HEREBY INFORMED THAT THE CUSTOMS DEPARTMENT OF THE MAURITIUS REVENUE AUTHORITY IS ISSUING CERTIFICATES OF ORIGIN COVERING EXPORTS UNDER MOVEMENT CERTIFICATE EUR1, SADC, IOC, PAKISTAN/TURKEY BILATERAL TRADE AGREEMENTS.
ALL APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED FOR CONSIGNMENTS WHICH HAVE ALREADY BEEN SHIPPED SHOULD BE SUPPORTED BY A REQUEST FOR RETROSPECTIVE ISSUANCE ATTACHED TO THE ELECTRONIC APPLICATIONS FOR CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN.
POINT OF DELIVERY
ORIGIN COUNTER- FIRST FLOOR, CUSTOM HOUSE, MER ROUGE
ANY REQUEST FOR ASSISTANCE MAY BE SOUGHT FROM BELOW CONTACT POINTS:
ORIGIN UNIT EMAIL
DUTY OFFICER
MRA CUSTOMS 14 APRIL 2020
Phone no: 2020500 Ext: 7242
Origin.customs@mra.mu
Mobile No: 5259-6950
COMMUNIQUE FROM COMPETITION COMMISSION (09/04/2020)
Competition Commission Communiqué in the wake of the COVID-19 sanitary crisis
The Competition Commission is conscious of the extraordinary circumstances facing businesses in view of the COVID-19 sanitary crisis. It understands that some businesses may be called upon to collaborate among themselves in the public interest to ensure that Mauritians continue to be supplied with essential products and services during these unprecedented times.
The Competition Commission also understands that the prohibitions on certain forms of agreements between enterprises under the Competition Act 2007 can create business uncertainty surrounding business collaborations during these exceptional times. The Competition Commission wishes to provide assurance that the competition law enforcement would not unduly constrain or impede necessary and critical cooperation, which are in consumers and public interest and which does not go further or last longer than what is necessary.
But at the same time, the Competition Commission is making it clear that it will not tolerate commercial conducts on part of dominant suppliers which opportunistically seeks to exploit the crisis to the detriment of consumers. Anticompetitive agreements endangering public interest and harming consumer welfare, together with unilateral anticompetitive practices by dominant companies which seeks to exclude competitors or exploit consumers will be dealt with by the Competition Commission to the full might of the law.
The Competition Commission wishes to highlight that the Competition Act 2007 does not prohibit suppliers to set maximum prices for their products with a view to limit unjustified price increases at retail level. Further, the law does not prohibit suppliers from recommending retail prices and affixing recommended retail prices on their products as long as the words ‘recommended price’ appear on the price label.
The Competition Commission wishes to remind the public in general that they may submit complaints electronically through the following the website www.competitioncommission.mu or by email at info@competitioncommission.mu. Any party to existing or ongoing enquiries/ investigations may direct their queries by email to their respective contact persons or on info@competitioncommission.mu during the lockdown period.
The Competition Commission will post further notices on its website regarding specific arrangements with regards the handling of matters pertaining certain types restrictive business practices.
Disclaimer: This communiqué should not read as applying to any matter or situation other than those which relate strictly to or arise directly out of the COVID-19 crisis.
The Executive Director Competition Commission
EFFORTS TO BOOST TRADE IN MAURITIUS IN RESPONSE TO COVID-19 (08/04/2020)
COMMUNIQUE FROM CARGO HANDLING CORPORATION (02/04/2020)
Accrual of Storage Charges For Import Containers During Prevailing Lockdown
The CARGO HANDLING CORPORATION LTD (CHCL) wishes to inform all stakeholders despite the lockdown prevailing in Mauritius, CHCL has been providing its core services including receipt and delivery of containers.
Taking into account, the mandatory requisite of Work Permit to operate during the lockdown, those who have not been able to pick up their containers with IMPORT status during the confinement period shall after taking delivery of the mentioned container/s, have the possibility of requesting for a refund of the storage charges accrued subject to:
– Submission of relevant documentation evidencing clearly that the accrual is due to the lockdown and delay in obtaining the Work Permit.
Along with the relevant documents, the following will also be required:
· A copy of Work Access Permit and Copy of Request.
· A copy of the paid CHCL receipt (for cash customers)
· A copy of the NIC of the Ultimate beneficiary (for individuals).
· A copy of the business registration card of the company requesting the refund
· A copy of the Bill of entry for the mentioned container/s
· A copy of the Bill of lading
· A copy of the delivery order/s from Shipping agent
· Relevant contact details
In case an agent/broker is making the request on behalf of a consignee, an original letter from the consignee giving the permission to the broker with clear instructions as to the ultimate beneficiary in case the refund request is acceded.
All requests will be considered on a case to case basis by the CHCL.
The mentioned documents can be delivered to the CHCL, attention The Finance Manager, CHCL Building, Mer Rouge, Port Louis from 09:30 Hrs. to 14.00 Hrs. (Mondays to Fridays).
A soft copy with legible attachments (not exceeding 10MB) can be sent to the following email address: Email: registry@chcltd.intnet.mu / agujadhur@chcltd.intnet.mu / spaddia@chcltd.intnet.mu
Queries regarding the captioned matter may be made by calling Mr A. Gujadhur, Head of Claims, on 54996779 or 2061749 (7 a.m – 15.00 hrs).
COMMUNIQUE INSURER'S ASSOCIATION OF MAURITIUS (30/03/2020)
In a Public Communique issued on the 31 March 2020, the Insurers Association of Mauritius announced that motor insurance policies, that will be expiring during the confinement period, will be held covered (automatically extendedon expiring terms) until 30 April 2020. Should an insured decide not to opt for this automatic extension of cover as applicable during theconfinement period, he/she shall communicate same by mail or phone confirmed with a SMS to theinsurer priorto the date of expiry of his/her insurance policy.
The Association brings to the attention of the public that it is a serious offence to drive a motor vehicle withouta valid insurance policy. Therefore, aperson driving a vehicle with an automatically extended insurance policy will need to keep his/her existing vignetteon his/her vehicles forinspection by Police. After the confinement period is over, a person with an automatically extended insurance cover shall contact his or herinsurance company for the renewal of his/her policy and a pro–rata premium payment of the existing policy will beapplicable for the duration of the automatic extension period. The renewalprocess shall then be done as per thenormal practice.
Admissibility of Motor Insurance Claims during Confinement Period:
1. As per the terms and conditions of their valid insurance policy contract; and
2. For an accident occurring in the course of one’s duty for an essential service and in possession of a work accesspermit, duly valid at the time of the accident, as confirmed by the Police that the driver was compliant to thecurfew order; and
3.For an accident by someone attending to and from an essential service provider to and from his place of residenceas confirmed by Police that the driver was compliant to the curfew order.
GOVERNMENT MEASURES FOR INFORMAL SECTOR (31/03/2020)
Following a press conference on the 31 March 2020, the Minister of Finance Economic Planning and Development, has announced measures for the informal sector (masons, hairdressers, hawkers, artists, etc.)
The Minister of Finance Economic Planning and Development listed out the measures to help those people by providing a financial support of 50% of the Minimum Wage, that is, Rs 5 100 to every self-earned person. Informal workers are called upon to register online on the MRA website or to call on the hotline 2076000.
COVID – 19
Assistance Scheme to the Informal Sector
The Assistance Scheme provided by Government is being extended to cover the following –
1. Self-Employed Individuals
Eligible Self-Employed individuals will receive a financial support of Rs 5,100 (i.e. 50% of Guaranteed Income) for the period 16th March 2020 to 15th April 2020.
Self-employed individuals who are either in business (examples: shops, hawkers, hair dressers, etc.) or are casual workers (examples: masons, plumbers, artists etc.) are eligible under the Scheme.
Self-employed individuals in business or self-employed casual workers whose total monthly household income does not exceed Rs 50,000 will be eligible under the Scheme.
Payment will be credited to their respective Bank Account.
Those who do not have a Bank Account will obtain payment through the Mauritius Post.
Online application form is available on MRA website.
2. Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) (Turnover up to Rs 50 million)
In addition to the moratorium of 6 months on capital repayments, eligible Enterprises will also benefit from a moratorium of 6 months on interest payments in respect of their existing loans with Commercial Banks.
Under the Special Relief Amount of Rs 5 billion earmarked by the Bank of Mauritius through its Support Programme, MSMEs are eligible for a moratorium of 6 months on both capital and interest payments in respect of new loans with Commercial Banks.
DBM Support
(Turnover up to Rs 10 million)
Micro and Small Enterprises can apply for loan facilities through Commercial Banks or to the DBM.
DBM will disburse an amount not exceeding Rs 1 Million to an eligible applicant.
Relief to Lessees for Rental of Buildings
DBM is waiving rental payments from its lessees of DBM Industrial Estates during the curfew period.
Landscope will not charge any penalty from its lessees for late payment of rentals for the month of March 2020.
Lessees renting private owned buildings are eligible to apply for loan facilities to cover rental costs from the following institutions:
o DBM (Revolving Credit Fund) – Micro and Small Enterprises. Interest will not be payable if loan is repaid within 9 months.
o Commercial Banks (under the Bank of Mauritius Special Relief Amount) – Other Enterprises.
Waiving of Fees for Market Stalls
As part of its commitment to mitigate the adverse financial impact of the lockdown on economic operators, Government is waiving the fees payable by sellers of vegetables, haberdashery and general merchandise in markets around the island during the curfew period.
For those who have already paid, the amount will be deducted in the next instalment due.
REOPENING OF SUPERMARKETS ON 2 APRIL (30/03/2020)
Following a press conference on the 30 March 2020, it was announced by the Prime Minister that supermarkets and shops will reopen as from 2 April 2020. Access will be given in alphabetical order of family name to every Mauritian household twice per week.
Opening days and time
Hypermarkets/supermarkets, superettes, retailers (la boutique) will be open on Monday to Saturday from 09hr00 to 17hr00. Customers will be able to shop strictly on allocated days as follows. This also applies to pensioners and disabled persons.
Based of alphabetical category, households have been grouped for allocated days for shopping, as follows:
A-F – (Monday and Thursday)
G-N – (Tuesday and Friday)
O-Z – (Wednesday and Saturday)
Other important details for consumers are:
Mauritians to be in possession of their National Identity Card and foreigners to present either their passport, residence permit or work permit;
Only one person per family will be allowed;
Every consumer has the obligation to wear a mask;
Sanitary control at the entry and those with a temperature above 37.50C will be taken in charge by the Ministry of Health and Wellness;
Shopping will be restricted to 30 minutes only and bring their own bags; and
Access limited to only three per persons for essential products e.g. flour, rice, oil, milk, tissue papers
Supermarkets and shops will be allowed to operate only if they strictly put in place the sanitary measures as recommended by the authorities, including floor markings both inside and outside to avoid gatherings, cashiers to wear mask and gloves, and limiting the number of persons according to the surface area. Citizens are called upon to act responsibly, to stop panic buying and stockpiling as there is sufficient stock of essential products.
COMMUNIQUE FROM THE MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND CONSUMER PROTECTION (30/03/2020)
In a Communiqué issued on 30 March 2020, the Ministry of Commerce and Consumer Protection is informing the companies importing medicines and medical equipment from the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and whose stocks are ready for import, to contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade (Mauritius) and the Embassy of Mauritius in Beijing, on the contact details provided below, for matters relating to import procedures to Mauritius.
Contact details
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade
M. Akshay Demunger
Address : 14th Floor, Newton Tower Sir William Newton Street, Port-Louis
Republic of Mauritius
Tel : (230) 5 256 3242
Embassy of Mauritius in Beijing
M. S. Gujadhur
Tel : +86 18 612 084 505 Fax : +86 10 65 325 706 Email : mebj@mail.gov.mu
COMMUNIQUE FROM THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELLNESS (28/03/2020)
In a Communiqué issued on 28 March 2020, the Ministry of Health and Wellness wish to inform the general public that as from 28 March 2020, the ENT Hospital of Vacoas will be welcoming patients tested positive for COVID-19.
As a result, ENT Services offered to the general public with temporarily be redirected to Victoria Hospital in Candos.
STOCK EXCHANGE OF MAURITIUS TO CEASE TRANSACTIONS (27/03/2020)
In a Communiqué issued on 27 March 2020, the Financial Services Commission (“the Commission”) ordered the Stock Exchange of Mauritius Ltd (SEM) to cease all securities transactions, taking in consideration that the orderly transaction of business on the securities exchange is being or is likely to be adversely affected due to the occurrence of the total lockdown.
The Stock Exchange of Mauritius Ltd has also been directed to inform all of its market participants of measures it has put in place for an orderly resumption of the market. The order issued by the Commission to the Stock Exchange of Mauritius Ltd takes effect from 27 March 2020 at 20:00 local time and shall lapse on 2 April 2020 at 20:00 local time.
COURTS CLOSED DURING CONFINEMENT (26/03/2020)
COMMUNIQUÉ
Le public et la profession légale sont avisés qu’à la lumière des derniers développements, en particulier l’évolution de la propagation du coronavirus et la contamination d’un membre auxiliaire du personnel judiciaire, l’organisation restreinte de services judiciaires mis en place récemment a été revue par le chef juge en vue de permettre aux juges et magistrats, aux autres employés du service du judiciaire et aux membres de la profession légale et leurs employés de ne pas se déplacer, sans pour autant déroger au principe d’un service minimal pour les demandes et procédures urgentes.
Par ordre du chef juge, toutes les cours resteront désormais fermées pendant toute la période du confinement.
Toutefois, les magistrats resteront disponibles par voie de communication technologique dans toutes les Cours de district pour toutes affaires urgentes telles que les demandes de liberté conditionnelle pour toute personne nouvellement arrêtée ou déjà en détention, et les annulations de mandat d’arrêt et d’ordres de protection concernant les enfants et les victimes de violence domestique.
Pour les demandes urgentes en Cour de district, le public et la profession légale sont priés de contacter le Prosecutor’s Office directerment ou par le biais du poste de police de la localité. Le Prosecutor’s Office prendra alors contact avec le magistrat concerné.
Les Cours intermédiaire et industrielle pourront aussi être saisies par voie de communication technologique, pendant la période de confinement, pour toute affaire urgente par le biais des hommes de loi qui dirigeront leurs requêtes à travers la secrétaire du Bar Council (Ordre des Avocats) et le secrétaire du Law Society (Ordre des avoués), selon le cas.
Pour toute application urgente en Cour Suprême (qui sera présentée au juge en chambre), veuillez telephoner –
1) en vue d’une demande en division familiale:
– au secrétaire de juge de la juge présidente sur le 5 977 2841, OU – au court manager de la division familiale sur le 5 812 4268 ;
2) pour des renseignements, ou en cas de problème, par rapport à une demande en division commerciale qui opère un système électronique:
– au court manager sur le 5 761 8927, OU
– au system manager sur le 5 792 6469 ;
3) en vue d’une demande ne concernant pas les divisions mentionnées ci-dessus:
– au secrétaire de juge du senior puisne judge sur le 5 783 8617 OU – à l’acting master and registrar sur le 5 887 2777 OU
– à l’acting deputy master and registrar sur le 5 733 7175
Ce communiqué a été transmis à la présidente de I’Ordre des avocats et à la présidente de l’Ordre des avoués en vue d’être électroniquement copié aux avocats et aux avoués respectivement.
26 March 2020
Eddy Balancy Chief Justice
Details supplementing the communiqué issued on Thursday 26 March 2020
The communiqué issued by the Honourable Chief Justice on Thursday last (26 March 2020) states, in connection with communication with the relevant persons in respect of urgent matters falling under the jurisdiction of a District Court :
“Pour les demandes urgentes en cour de District, le public et la profession légale sont priés de contacter le prosecutors’ office directement ou par le biais du poste de police de la localité. Le prosecutors’ office prendra alors contact avec le magistrat concerné.”
The approval of the Commissioner of Police having now been obtained for the publication, on this website, of the telephone numbers on which the prosecutors at the respective prosecution offices can be contacted, the following information is now being placed on this website:
CHANGE IN BANK OPENING HOURS (25/03/2020)
PUBLIC NOTICE
CHANGE IN OPENING HOURS FOR BANK BRANCHES AS FROM THURSDAY 26 MARCH 2020 IN COVID-19 CONTEXT
Wednesday 25 March 2020
With a view to ensuring continuity in the provision of banking services by domestic commercial banks, the Bank of Mauritius, after consultation with the Mauritius Bankers Association, wishes to inform members of the public that banks will keep operating in the current context.
Key branches, which will be in strategic locations to ensure a fair geographical coverage, will, as from Thursday 26 March 2020, be open to the public from Monday to Friday from 10:00 to 13:00, until further notice. These key branches will be staffed by reduced personnel and will provide basic banking services.
The internal operations and telephone-based Contact Centres of commercial banks concerned will remain operational during normal hours. A list of branches which will be open will be communicated to the public by the respective banks. Members of the public are invited to contact their respective banks for any information.
The Bank of Mauritius strongly encourages the public to use internet banking facilities and other electronic modes of payments, and to avoid visiting bank branches where alternative channels are available.
COMMUNIQUE FROM INDEPENDENT BROADCASTING AUTHORITY (25/03/2020)
In a Communiqué issued on 25 March 2020, the Independent Broadcast Authority (IBA) directs all broadcasters to exercise restrain from broadcasting news and other content which are fake and unfounded as such news may threaten public order, cause riots or destroy the social fabric of the country.
The IBA reminds the broadcasters the section of the IBA Act providing for important duties on broadcasters and the severe sanctions which may arise should the Act be breached. Furthermore, the IBA directs broadcasters to act as responsible broadcasters in such difficult times which the country is facing and to comply with the terms and conditions of their licence, the IBA Act and the Codes.
WAGE ASSISTANCE SCHEME CLARIFICATIONS (24/03/2020)
With a view to assisting businesses in making applications for GWAS, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) wishes to bring the following clarifications to their attention:
All businesses willing to avail themselves of the support under GWAS should fill in an application form.
All applications received are being processed, and disbursement of funds will be made on a first come first served basis.
The GWAS is for businesses only and, therefore, employers in the category of Private Household and NGOs may not avail of the scheme.
The quantum of assistance claimed should be based on the basic salary of the employees as normally declared by employers in their monthly NPS Contribution Returns.
In processing the applications under GWAS, the MRA will carry out internal checks to verify the correctness of claims. The verification will be based on previous NPS returns filed by a business to ascertain the number of employees and their basic salaries.
After internal verification, MRA will credit the approved amount to the employer’s bank account used by him for payment of monthly NPS contribution. Any adjustment to that amount will be made once normal work resumes after curfew.
A self-employed, for example a hairdresser, will be entitled to GWAS only in respect of employees for whom he has been paying monthly NPS contributions.
Businesses having trainees or staff on placement will be entitled to the GWAS if NPS contributions are being made in their favour.
VAT ON MASKS AND HAND SANITIZERS (24/03/2020)
The rate of VAT on the following products have been amended from 15% to 0%:
1. Protective masks against dust, odours and the like
2. Other breathing appliances and gas masks, excluding protective masks having neither mechanical parts nor replaceable filter
3. Hand sanitizer
WAGE ASSISTANCE SCHEME (23/03/2020)
On the 23 March 2020, the Government of the Republic of Mauritius has announced the Wage Assistance Scheme (The Scheme) to ensure that all employees in the private sector are duly paid their salary for the month of March 2020. The scheme concerns both Mauritians and foreign employees working in Mauritius.
1. Employers should effect payment of the monthly salary as usual and in case their business has been adversely affected by Covid19 and the lockdown in Mauritius, they may after payment of the salary, apply to MRA for financial support under The Scheme.
2. Under the scheme, a business entity in the private sector is entitled to receive in respect to its wage bill for the month of March 2020, an amount equivalent to 15 days’ basic wage bill for all of its employees drawing a monthly basic wage of up to Rs 50,000 subject to a cap of Rs 12,500 of assistance per employee as set out in table below:
| For every employee with basic salary in March 2020 | Basis | Assistance per employee(Rs) |
|---|---|---|
| From 9,700 to Rs 25,000 | 15-days wages | From Rs 4,850 to Rs 12,500 |
| From Rs 25,000 to Rs 50,000 | Fixed Amount | Rs 12,500 |
| Above Rs 50,000 | Nil | Nil |
3. Exceptionally, where a business is unable to effect payment of salary for the current month due to cash flow problem, it may apply to the MRA for assistance under the scheme so that the salaries may be paid in a timely manner.
4. For any information or assistance under the Scheme, the MRA may be reached by email on the following address: headoffice@mra.mu or by calling on 5 941 2782 or 5 941 2783.
COMMUNIQUE FROM THE BANK OF MAURITIUS (23/03/2020)
Bank of Mauritius Covid-19 Support
Programme – Additional measures to support households and businesses.
Further to its Support Programme launched on Friday 13 March 2020, the Bank of Mauritius announced additional measures on the 23 March 2020 to support households and businesses impacted financially by COVID-19, and to ensure that the domestic rupee and foreign exchange markets continue to operate smoothly. These measures are as follows:
1. Support to households
- Mauritian households impacted by COVID-19 may request their commercial banks for a moratorium of six (6) months on capital repayments on their existing household loans as from the 1st of April 2020.
- In addition, for households earning a combined monthly basic salary of up to Rs50,000 the Bank of Mauritius will bear the interest payable for the period 1st of April 2020 to 30th of June 2020 on their outstanding household loans with commercial banks.
- For the purpose of these measures, household loans include all existing rupee loans which have been disbursed to a Household by a commercial bank. Overdrafts, credit cards and other credit facilities are not included.
- The terms and conditions will be made available through commercial banks as from Monday 30th of March 2020.
2. Special Foreign Currency (USD) Line of Credit
- The Bank of Mauritius is introducing a Special Foreign Currency (USD) Line of Credit targeting operators having foreign currency earnings, including SMEs.
- This line of credit shall be for an amount of USD 300 million, to be made available through commercial banks. Funds will be made available to commercial banks at 6-month USD Libor for this facility.
- This line of credit will be available from the 24th of March 2020 until the 30th of June 2020 and repayment will be over a period of two (2) years from the effective date of disbursement.
3. Swap arrangement to support import-oriented businesses
- The Bank of Mauritius is introducing a USD/MUR swap arrangement with commercial banks for an initial amount of USD 100 million.
- This arrangement will enable commercial banks to support import-oriented businesses, except for the State Trading Corporation which will be dealing directly with the Bank of Mauritius for its foreign currency requirements until further notice.
- The swap arrangement will be effective as from the 24 of March 2020 until the 30th of June 2020.
4. Shared ATM Services
- During the national confinement period, fees applicable on shared ATM services have been waived to enable customers to have access to the ATM of any bank regardless of the issuer of the card.
- The Bank of Mauritius will continue to maintain adequate supply of banknotes to commercial banks for their ATMs.
WORK ACCESS PERMIT (22/03/2020)
In a Communiqué issued on 22 March 2020 by the Commissioner of Police, the general public is informed that the Minister of Health and Wellness has issued a Curfew Order on 22 March 2020 that no person shall remain outdoors in Mauritius as from 23 March 2020 at 20 00 hrs until 02 April 2020 at 20 00 hrs.
The World Health Organisation having called upon governments to have urgent and aggressive measures in order to stop the spread of the Coronavirus, it has been considered that the presence of as few persons as possible at any workplace or in any public place is essential in order to better protect the health of the public and employees generally from the risk of being infected by Coronavirus.
With a view to ensuring that essential services will need to be provided for the proper functioning of the country during this curfew period, the Monitoring Committee COVID-19 set up by Government and the Commissioner of Police may issue a permit to a person to be outdoors for the sole purpose of leaving his place of residence to his place of work and leaving his place of work to his place of residence if that person forms parts of the economic activity, which are listed on the Application Form. However, employers are reminded that permits shall only be issued by the Commissioner of Police where he is satisfied that the presence of an employee at his place of work is essential for the provision of minimum service since such a permit is an exception to the general rule of restriction on the movement of persons. Any employer from the sectors referred to in the Communiqué is requested to make an application to the Commissioner of Police for the issue of a permit in relation to his employees.
The Application Form must be downloaded, filled with the required details and should be submitted on workaccesspass@govmu.org
COMMERCIAL DIVISION OF THE SUPREME COURT (21/03/2020)
On the 21 March 2020, the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court issued an important notice informing all concerned that in view of the prevailing situation in the country and in the light of the lockdown presently in force, the following arrangements
have been made at the Commercial Division of the Supreme Court:
▪ A Skeleton Staff will be present on a daily basis.
▪ The e-filing system will be accessible as usual.
▪ In case of technical issues relating to the system or for any other urgent matters,
please contact the Court Manager – Mr R. Chotoye on 2132616/ 57618927 or the System Administrator – Ms Nancy Neong San (Technical Issues only) on 57926469.
Or send an e-mail to webmaster-jud@govmu.org or nneongsan@govmu.or
COMMUNIQUE FROM MAURITIUS REVENUE AUTHORITY (20/03/2020)
COVID-19 Measures taken by MRA due to lockdown in Mauritius.
- The facilities for the electronic submission of tax returns and electronic payment of any tax due are available on MRA website (www.mra.mu).
- Taxpayers who are unable to submit returns or effect payment of tax due to the lockdown will not be charged any penalty or interest for late submission/payment.
- Kindly note that the head-office of the MRA at Ehram Court, Cnr S. Virgil Naz & Mgr Gonin Streets, Port-Louis, is closed to the public.
However, queries may be emailed on headoffice@mra.mu. A team of MRA officers is working from home to ensure a smooth running of the various services.
- The core services of MRA Customs are operational at Custom House, Mer Rouge, PATS, Plaine Magnien and at the SSR International Airport, with a skeleton staff, in view of enabling the clearance of goods and outgoing passengers.
- MRA Customs at Plaine Corail in Rodrigues is also operational with a skeleton staff in view of providing the core services.
- Facilities for the electronic submission of Customs Declarations, including electronic payment of duties and taxes, are available on the Customs Management System.
- Information regarding specific services offered by the MRA Customs can be obtained by contacting the Duty Officer on 5 259 6950. The latter will direct the inquirer to the respective service.
- Queries regarding alcoholic products may be addressed to the Excise Section of MRA Customs by calling on 5 778 2220.
- All other queries regarding MRA customs services should be emailed on: customs@mra.mu
EXTENSION OF DEADLINE (20/03/2020)
In a Communiqué issued on 20 March 2020, the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development is informing Business and Trade Associations, Professional Bodies, Trade Unions, NGOs, Civil Society Organisations and other stakeholders that the date for submission of proposals in the context of the Budget 2020/2021 has been extended to Friday 10 April 2020.
The proposals may be submitted to the Secretariat of the Financial Secretary, Government House, Port Louis; through e-mail at prebudget@govmu.org; and on the online platform on www.mauritiusbudget.com.
CERT-MU SECURITY ALERT (20/03/2020)
Computer Emergency Response Team of Mauritius (CERT-MU) – Security Alert.
In a Communiqué issued on 20 March 2020 by the Computer Emergency Response Team of Mauritius (CERT-MU), a division of the National Computer Board, operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Information Technology, Communication and Innovation has noted that fake news and information related to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) are being posted and shared on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and WhatsApp.
The Computer Emergency Response Team of Mauritius (CERT-MU) is advising the public to avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails and beware of email attachments related to COVID-19; to use trusted sources such as legitimate, government websites for up-to-date, fact-based information about COVID-19; not to reveal personal or financial information in email, and not to respond to email solicitations for this information; to refrain from posting personal information related to COVID-19 victims; not to share any unverified details on the coronavirus; and to be cautious of online advertisements selling hygienic products such as masks, hand sanitizer
The CERT-MU wishes to remind citizens that these are offences under the Section 46 of the amended Information and Communication Technology Act 2001, and they should refrain from doing so as this may lead to the legal sanctions. The public may report any cyber incident related to the COVID-19 on the Mauritian Cybercrime Online Reporting System (MAUCORS – maucors.govmu.org).
THE QUARANTINE REGULATIONS 2020 (20/03/2020)
The Quarantine (Quarantinable Diseases) Regulations 2020.
On 19 March 2020, the Quarantine (Quarantinable Diseases) Regulations 2020 came into operation.
According to the said regulations, the Minister of Health and Wellness may prohibit conveyances such as an aircraft, a ship or any other means of transport on an international voyage, which originated or transited through any country where a quarantinable disease has proliferated, from entering the territory of Mauritius if it is necessary to prevent a danger to public health in Mauritius, including the spread of infection of a quarantinable disease, in such circumstances the Wuhan Novel Coronavirus (2019-NCov) in Mauritius.
The Minister of Health and Wellness may by order, prohibit conveyances such as an aircraft, a ship or any other means of transport on an international voyage, which originated or transited through any country where a quarantinable disease has proliferated, from departing the territory of Mauritius if it is necessary to prevent a danger to public health in Mauritius.
The Minister of Health and Wellness may by order, prohibit any person from boarding or disembarking any conveyances such as an aircraft, a ship or any other means of transport on an international voyage, which originated or transited through any country where a quarantinable disease has proliferated, if it is necessary to avert a danger to public health.
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