Official Notice on the Extension of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for September 2021
On 16 September 2021, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) issued an official notice to inform the public and relevant stakeholders about the continued support measures provided under the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for the month of September 2021. This extension aims to mitigate the economic impact of ongoing restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic and to support affected sectors and individuals.
Context and Scope of the Extension
The government’s decision to extend GWAS and SEAS reflects a targeted approach to assist both employers and self-employed persons who have faced operational disruptions during the pandemic. The measures are part of broader efforts to sustain employment and economic activity across key sectors, especially those severely impacted by public health restrictions.
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) is responsible for administering these schemes, which include financial assistance payments to eligible entities and individuals. The notice specifies the sectors eligible for continued support, the application procedures, and the scope of assistance for September 2021.
Eligibility and Affected Sectors
Sectors in the Tourism Industry
Employers and self-employed individuals operating within the tourism sector in Mauritius and Rodrigues will continue to receive financial assistance throughout September 2021. This includes businesses directly involved in tourism activities, which have been significantly impacted by travel restrictions and closure measures.
Sectors Other than Tourism
For sectors outside of tourism, the scheme extends to activities that were prohibited from operating during September 2021 due to government restrictions. These include:
- Professional sports organizations
- Horse racing bookmakers (outlets), casinos, and gaming houses
- Theatres and cinema halls
- Nightclubs licensed by the Tourism Authority
Operators Allowed to Operate with Sanitary Conditions Since July 2021
Several sectors permitted to resume activities under strict health protocols are also eligible for support. These include:
- Fitness centers
- Leisure parks, amusement centers, and aquariums
- Multi-purpose halls and wedding venues
- Bars with a turnover not exceeding Rs 50 million for the year ending 2020
- Religious bodies
- Private international school canteens with turnover under Rs 50 million
- Training institutions registered under the Mauritius Qualifications Authority
- Auctioneers under the Sales by Auction Act
- Food and beverage outlets such as restaurants, cafes, and caterers with turnover under Rs 50 million
- Educational institutions including 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 in September 2021
Application Procedures and Important Notes
For Employers: Submission of New Applications
Employers seeking to benefit from GWAS for September 2021 must submit a new application via the official Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) website at www.mra.mu. The application process is entirely digital, aligning with the government’s push for e-services.
For Self-Employed Individuals
Eligible self-employed persons do not need to submit new applications for September 2021, as their eligibility has been pre-established based on previous submissions and criteria. They are advised to consult the MRA website or contact the helpdesk for further information.
Additional Information and Support
For detailed guidance regarding the scheme extension, application procedures, and eligibility criteria, stakeholders are encouraged to visit the MRA’s official website or contact the MRA Helpdesk during working hours at +230 207 6000. Email inquiries can be sent to [email protected].
Conclusion
The extension of GWAS and SEAS for September 2021 underscores the government’s commitment to supporting the Mauritian economy amidst ongoing challenges. By targeting specific sectors and providing accessible application channels, these measures aim to preserve employment and assist self-employed persons during a period of significant economic uncertainty.