Extension of Government Wage and Self-Employed Assistance Schemes for

Official Guidance on the Extension of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme and Self-Employed Assistance Scheme for June 2020

On 2 July 2020, the Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) issued an official notice regarding the continuation of financial support initiatives introduced in response to the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This notice, identified as Communique Code: Communique020720, provides detailed information about the extension of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) and the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme (SEAS) for the month of June 2020.

Purpose and Scope of the Notice

This communication aims to inform eligible businesses and self-employed individuals about the eligibility criteria, qualifying activities, and application procedures for the continued financial aid. It underscores the Mauritian government's commitment to supporting sectors most affected by COVID-19 restrictions, particularly those linked to tourism, entertainment, and self-employment activities.

Eligible Sectors and Activities

Support for the Tourism Sector

The schemes are extended to operators holding valid licences or permits from relevant authorities engaged in activities including:

• Hotels, guest houses, tourist residences, and domains;
• Tourist enterprises, excluding restaurants, pubs, and tables d’hôte;
• Pleasure crafts involved in commercial nautical activities;
• Travel agencies, tour operators, tourist guides, and canvassers;
• National airline operators, including Air Mauritius Ltd and Airmate Ltd;
• Businesses deriving at least 50% of their income from goods sold or services provided to tourism-related entities listed above;
• Restaurants, pubs, and tables d’hôte holding a tourist enterprise licence;
• Contract car hire businesses, event management companies;
• Attractions, amusement parks, natural sites, and museums.

Note: Self-employed individuals engaged in activities under item (6) are eligible solely for GWAS. Additionally, businesses under items (7) to (9) qualify if their turnover in June 2020 declined by more than 50% compared to June 2019, except for enterprises established after June 2019.

Support for Premises and Activities Closed or Restricted

The schemes also extend to entities whose operations were halted or restricted under COVID-19 regulations, including:

• Fitness centres and sports complexes;
• Horse racing, bookmakers, casinos, and gaming houses;
• Leisure parks, amusement centres, and aquariums;
• Multi-purpose halls and wedding venues;
• Nightclubs and private clubs licensed by the Tourism Authority;
• Professional sports organizations;
• Theatres and cinema halls.

Support for Self-Employed Individuals

The schemes target specific categories of self-employed persons, including:

• Artists;
• Haberdashers operating at market fairs;
• Licensees or permit holders from the Tourism or Beach Authorities (excluding skippers and non-commercial pleasure crafts);
• Handicraft makers;
• Persons working in school canteens;
• Taxi drivers operating at airports or based at hotels.

Application Procedures and Additional Information

Applicants who meet the eligibility criteria for the GWAS and SEAS are instructed to submit their applications via the official website of the Mauritius Revenue Authority at www.mra.mu. The online platform is designed to facilitate a streamlined process, ensuring timely support for those affected by the pandemic.

For further assistance or inquiries, applicants are encouraged to contact the MRA helpdesk at +230 207 6000. It is recommended to have relevant licences or permits ready when applying, as these documents will be necessary to substantiate eligibility.

Implications for Eligible Applicants

This extension signifies ongoing government efforts to mitigate the economic fallout caused by COVID-19 restrictions. Eligible businesses and self-employed persons should review their activities against the specified criteria and ensure timely submission of their applications. The continuation of these schemes aims to preserve employment and support the livelihoods of those most impacted during this challenging period.

Conclusion

The Mauritius Revenue Authority’s notice underscores the importance of compliance with the stipulated eligibility conditions and encourages affected parties to utilize the available digital services. Citizens and businesses are advised to stay informed through official channels to benefit from ongoing government support measures during the pandemic recovery phase.