Official Notice: Extension of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for December 2021
On 13 December 2021, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) issued an official communique regarding the continuation of financial support measures under the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS). This notice aims to inform employers and self-employed individuals about the extension of these schemes for the month of December 2021, following the government's decision to prolong these aid programs amidst ongoing economic challenges.
Context and Scope of the Extension
The extension of GWAS and SEAS is part of the government's broader strategy to support sectors adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly during periods of restricted economic activity. The schemes are designed to provide financial assistance to eligible employers and self-employed persons to help sustain employment and mitigate income loss during the pandemic's ongoing impact.
This official notice specifies the sectors and activities eligible for continued support in December 2021, emphasizing the government's targeted approach to aid sectors that have faced operational restrictions or economic difficulties during this period.
Who Is Affected by This Extension?
The notice primarily addresses two categories of recipients:
- Employers operating within the tourism sector and certain other approved sectors, who previously benefited from GWAS and SEAS based on their applications and the criteria set out in earlier communications.
- Self-employed individuals engaged in specific activities, including arts and other approved professions, who are eligible for direct assistance without the need to submit new applications for December 2021.
Key Details of the Extension
For the Tourism Sector
- Financial assistance under GWAS and SEAS will continue to be provided for the entire month of December 2021.
- This support covers employers and self-employed individuals operating within Mauritius and Rodrigues, recognizing the sector's significant economic contribution and vulnerability during the pandemic.
For Other Affected Sectors
The schemes will also support activities that were restricted or unable to operate fully during December 2021, including:
- Professional sports
- Horse racing bookmakers (outlets)
- Theatres and cinema halls
- Nightclubs licensed by the Tourism Authority
- Bars
Additionally, sectors permitted to operate from July 2021 under sanitary conditions are eligible for full-month assistance, including:
- Fitness centres
- Leisure parks, amusement centres, aquariums
- Multi-purpose halls, including wedding halls
- Religious bodies
- Private international school canteens (excluding public and grant-aided secondary schools) with a turnover not exceeding Rs 50 million for the year ending 2020
- Training institutions registered under the Mauritius Qualifications Authority Act
- Auctioneers licensed under the Sales by Auction Act
- Food service businesses such as restaurants, cafes, caterers with turnover not exceeding Rs 50 million
- Fee-charging crèches and registered educational institutions
- Casinos and gaming houses
- Self-employed artists
Application Procedures and Important Clarifications
For Employers
Employers who previously submitted applications for GWAS for October 2021 do not need to reapply for December 2021. The payments will be processed based on the initial application. However, if there are any amendments to the number of employees or the assistance amount, employers are instructed to send an email to the dedicated address: [email protected].
For Self-Employed Individuals
Self-employed persons who qualified for SEAS in previous months are not required to submit new applications for December 2021. The continuation of support is automatic for eligible individuals.
Additional Information and Support
For further details regarding the schemes, eligibility criteria, or procedural clarifications, stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official Mauritius Revenue Authority website (www.mra.mu) or contact the MRA Helpdesk during working hours at +230 207 6000. Email inquiries can be directed to [email protected].
Summary
This official notice underscores the Mauritian government's commitment to supporting its economy and workforce during the ongoing pandemic. The extension of GWAS and SEAS for December 2021 ensures that targeted sectors and self-employed individuals continue to receive vital financial assistance, fostering economic stability and employment retention across the country.