Official Notice: Extension of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for June 2021
On 17 June 2021, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) issued an official circular to inform employers and self-employed individuals about the extension of two key government support schemes: the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS). This notice provides detailed guidance on the scope of the extension, eligibility criteria, and application procedures for the month of June 2021, in response to ongoing economic challenges faced by various sectors due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Context and Purpose of the Extension
The Government of the Republic of Mauritius has decided to extend financial support measures aimed at alleviating the economic impact of restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 crisis. The GWAS and SEAS are designed to provide direct financial assistance to employers and self-employed individuals who have been unable to operate or have experienced significant revenue loss during the period of restrictions, particularly in sectors heavily affected by the pandemic.
Scope of the Support for June 2021
A. Support for the Tourism Sector
In recognition of the tourism sector's critical importance to the Mauritian economy, a full month of financial assistance under both GWAS and SEAS will be provided to employers and self-employed individuals within this sector in Mauritius and Rodrigues. This support aims to sustain employment and mitigate revenue losses during ongoing restrictions or operational limitations.
B. Support for Other Affected Sectors
Beyond tourism, the circular specifies several other sectors eligible for full-month assistance, particularly those unable to operate during June 2021 due to government restrictions or health measures. These include:
- Fitness centres and professional sports organizations
- Horse racing bookmakers, casinos, and gaming houses
- Leisure parks, amusement centres, aquariums
- Multi-purpose halls, wedding halls, theatres, cinemas
- Nightclubs licensed by the Tourism Authority and bars
- Religious bodies
- Private international school canteens (excluding public and grant-aided secondary schools)
- Training institutions registered under the Mauritius Qualifications Authority Act
- Auctioneers licensed under the Sales by Auction Act
- Restaurants, fast food outlets, cafes, caterers, and food vendors with annual turnover not exceeding Rs. 50 million
- Fee-charging crèches, pre-primary, primary, secondary schools, and registered universities
- Self-employed individuals such as market stallholders, haberdashers, hawkers, and artists who were unable to operate during June 2021
C. Support for Operators in Red Zones
Operators located within designated red zones—areas including Vallée-Pitot, Port Louis, La Valette Housing Estate, and Bambous—or residing there are also eligible for full assistance. This applies to:
- Employers based in red zones
- Self-employed individuals residing or operating within red zones
Note: Red zones are specific areas identified by the government where restrictions are more stringent. Certain retail outlets such as markets, supermarkets, hardware shops, and food shops are permitted to operate within these zones.
Application Procedures and Requirements
For Employers (GWAS)
Employers wishing to benefit from the GWAS extension must submit a new application for June 2021. The application process is conducted online via the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) website, where the relevant forms must be completed and submitted electronically.
For Self-Employed Individuals (SEAS)
Self-employed persons eligible for SEAS, particularly those operating within red zones, are required to submit a new application through the official MRA portal. Other self-employed individuals who previously received assistance do not need to reapply unless they fall into the red zone category or their circumstances have changed.
Additional Information and Support
For further details regarding the application process, eligibility criteria, or to access the relevant forms, individuals and employers are encouraged to visit the official Mauritius Revenue Authority website at www.mra.mu. Assistance is also available through the MRA Helpdesk, reachable during working hours by phone at +230 207 6000 or via email at [email protected].
This extension underscores the Mauritian government's ongoing commitment to supporting businesses and self-employed persons during these challenging times, ensuring that vital sectors continue to receive necessary assistance to preserve employment and economic stability.