Visa Free Access through Mauritius

To further facilitate this task, Intercontinental Trust chief executive officer Ben Lim has come up with a proposal which would allow visa free access to African Countries for non-citizens owning a Mauritius company and holding an occupational permit. According to the proposal the laissez passer pass would be delivered in Mauritius and valid for any journey through Mauritius.

“Investors all around the world require visas to most African countries. The continent is currently thirsty for investment and Mauritius accounts for a large part of Africa’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). With this system, airlines will come knocking on our door. We could start with SADC and COMESA countries,” said Lim.

Finance minister Xavier Luc Duval for his part has acknowledged this proposal as a good one and said that the government will consider it.

“Mauritius has what it takes for this venture. The steps to achieve this are the setting up of a Africa Business Mobility Committee, encouragement in opening more African countries consulates and embassies in Mauritius and consideration of government subsidies to attract the African countries,” added Lim.

Malta has already implemented such a scheme, called the ‘Malta Highly Qualified Persons Scheme’, valid for four years for non-EU Nationals and five years for EU Nationals, allowing them to travel freely within the Schengen zone.