Mauritius Business Filing Deadlines Extended Amid COVID-19

Official Notice: Extension of Filing Deadline Due to COVID-19 Confinement

Context and Scope

The communiqué issued by the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD) pertains to the ongoing impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on business operations within Mauritius. Originally, the confinement measures were set to conclude on 4 May 2020; however, the authorities have announced an extension of these restrictions, which directly affects the deadlines for filing statutory statements by businesses registered in Mauritius. This notice aims to inform stakeholders about the adjustments made to ensure continuity and compliance amid the exceptional circumstances caused by the pandemic.

Who Is Affected

This notice primarily concerns all companies and registered entities that are required to submit annual or periodic statements to the CBRD. These include, but are not limited to:

• Limited liability companies (private and public)
• Partnerships and sole proprietorships registered under the Companies Act 2001
• Other entities mandated by law to file financial or statutory reports

It is important for all affected entities to be aware of the revised deadlines to ensure compliance and avoid penalties for late submissions.

Key Points of the Notice

The main message of the communiqué is the extension of the filing deadline for statements due during the period of confinement. Originally, businesses had a specific timeframe to submit their filings following the end of the confinement period. However, considering the extension of restrictions until 4 May 2020, the CBRD has granted an additional one-month window for submissions.

Specifically, the notice states:

• The extension provides a total of two months from the date of lifting the confinement to submit filings.
• Given the confinement extension to 4 May 2020, the new deadline for filing is set for 4 July 2020.

This measure is designed to accommodate businesses facing operational challenges during the pandemic and to facilitate compliance without undue penalties.

Procedures for Filing During the Extension Period

Businesses are encouraged to utilize the digital platforms provided by the government to submit their statements online. The Mauritius government has strongly promoted the use of e-services through the govmu.org portal and the MauPass single sign-on system, which is linked to the National ID Card and the Central Population Database.

To file statements online, entities should:

1. Access the official portal of the Corporate and Business Registration Department.
2. Log in using the MauPass single sign-on system.
3. Navigate to the relevant e-filing section for business statements.
4. Upload the required documents and complete the submission process before the deadline.

For entities unable to access online services, alternative arrangements may be available through designated channels, and it is advisable to contact the department directly for assistance.

References and Authorities

This communiqué is issued by the Corporate and Business Registration Department (CBRD), a division under the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development. The notice aligns with the broader government strategy to mitigate the economic impact of COVID-19 and ensure ongoing compliance with statutory obligations.

Stakeholders are advised to monitor official updates via the government portal and the CBRD’s communication channels for any further developments or amendments to deadlines.

For any queries related to the filing process or the extension, entities are encouraged to contact the CBRD directly through their official contact points or consult the relevant guidelines available on the government’s official website.