Overview of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) Extension for July 2020
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) has announced the extension of the Government Wage Assistance Scheme (GWAS) for the month of July 2020. This initiative aims to support employees within the tourism sector by ensuring they receive their basic salaries amid ongoing economic challenges. This notice provides essential information for eligible employers and employees regarding the scope, eligibility criteria, and application procedures associated with the scheme extension.
Purpose and Scope of the Scheme
The primary objective of GWAS is to provide financial relief to businesses operating within the tourism sector, which has been significantly affected by the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. By extending the scheme for July 2020, the government aims to sustain employment levels and mitigate income loss among workers engaged in tourism-related activities.
The scheme applies to a wide range of businesses holding valid licenses or permits from relevant authorities to operate in the tourism industry. These include:
- Hotels, guest houses, tourist residences, and domains;
- Tourist enterprises and travel agencies;
- Businesses engaged in nautical activities, such as pleasure crafts;
- Tourist guides and canvassers;
- National airline companies, including Air Mauritius Ltd and Airmate Ltd;
- Businesses deriving at least 50% of their income from goods or services provided to tourism sector employees;
- Restaurants, pubs, and tables d’hôtes with a tourist enterprise license;
- Contract car hire, bus services, event management companies;
- Public attractions, amusement parks, natural sites, and museums.
Eligibility Criteria and Beneficiaries
The scheme is open to both Mauritian and expatriate employees working in the tourism sector. However, it excludes employees employed by Ministries, Government Departments, Local Authorities, Statutory Bodies, and Government-Owned Companies.
Employers must demonstrate that their turnover has decreased by more than 50% in July 2020 compared to July 2019. Exceptions are made for new enterprises established on or after 1 July 2019, which are automatically eligible regardless of turnover decline.
Self-employed individuals engaged in activities qualifying under the scheme are also eligible to benefit from GWAS, provided they meet the other criteria.
Financial Assistance and Application Process
The government provides financial support to eligible employers based on the basic salary of each employee in July 2020:
| Basic Salary (Rs) | Assistance per Employee (Rs) |
|---|---|
| From 9,700 to 25,000 | One month wages (equivalent to the basic salary) |
| From 25,000 to 50,000 | Fixed amount of 25,000 Rs |
| Above 50,000 | No assistance |
The assistance amount is calculated based on the employer’s monthly NPS Contribution Returns, ensuring consistency and transparency in claims.
Application Procedures and Verification
Employers seeking to benefit from GWAS must submit their applications electronically via the official MRA website at www.mra.mu. The application process involves the submission of relevant details, including the number of employees and their basic salaries.
To ensure the accuracy of claims, the MRA will conduct internal checks during processing. Once approved, the scheme's benefits will be credited directly to the employer’s bank account used for NPS contributions, streamlining the disbursement process.
Additional Information and Support
For further assistance or inquiries regarding the scheme extension, employers and employees are encouraged to contact the MRA helpdesk at +230 207 6000. The authority remains committed to supporting the tourism sector and ensuring the effective delivery of wage assistance during these challenging times.
In summary, the extension of GWAS for July 2020 represents a vital measure to sustain employment and economic activity within the tourism industry, reflecting the government’s ongoing commitment to economic resilience and social support.