Mauritius aims to attract remote workers with a year-long visa

Working from home has become more prevalent as the world deals with the COVID-19 pandemic, and working from a tropical island certainly sounds idyllic. Travelers may be interested to learn that Mauritius is introducing a renewable premium travel visa to eligible non-citizens for a maximum period of a year.

They must come as a visitor, a retiree, a parent of children studying in Mauritius, or a professional seeking to work remotely from there. Applicants should produce proof of their long-stay plans and have sufficient travel and health insurance for the initial period of stay. They are not allowed to enter the Mauritian workforce while there, and their principal place of business and source of income should be located outside the island. Documentary evidence to support their application, such as purpose of visit, accommodation details and other basic immigration requirements also need to be supplied.

A waterfall pours out of a green jungle. — Mauritius is attracting remote workers © Fabienne Sypowski / 500px

Mauritius is located more than 1000km off the eastern coast of Madagascar. It is known for its beaches and luxury resorts, but also offers hiking in its forested and mountainous interior and world-class diving and snorkeling offshore. Visitors can enjoy boat trips to small islets and excursions to botanical gardens and colonial plantation houses. It is a great destination for wildlife enthusiasts, and different cultures and quiet fishing villages can be found away from the resorts.

In relation to COVID-19, the island has had 439 confirmed cases and ten deaths, with the last death being reported on 29 April. A mandatory 14-day in-room quarantine for all incoming travelers has been extended to 30 November. Travelers must provide proof of a negative PCR test administered no more than seven days prior to the date of taking the flight to Mauritius, and they will have to undergo tests on the day of arrival, day seven and day 14 following arrival. An online platform for the premium travel visa application will be available shortly. Find out more here.