1055 foreign workers have been repatriated from Mauritius

Between 2005 and July 15, 2011, a total of 1,055 foreign workers have been repatriated after cancellation of their respective work and residence permits.

This was revealed by Prime Minister Dr Navin Ramgoolam at the National Assembly on Tuesday during a private question.

MP Reza Uteem had addressed his question to the minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Shakeel Mohamed but the reply was given by the PM.

The Prime Minister made it clear that the workers were not deported but have been repatriated to their homelands.

“Since 2005, no foreign worker has been deported in accordance with the procedure laid down in the Deportation Act 1968. I understand that the honourable member of parliament is perhaps referring to the repatriation of foreign workers. “

“I am informed by the police commissioner that these foreign workers were involved in illegal strikes or misconduct at their place of work,” said Ramgoolam.

The PM further said that these foreign workers were working in the textile, leather garment manufacturing and construction sectors, among others. “While we welcome foreigners, including foreign workers, Mauritius is a state of law and we have to ensure that these foreigners do not, in any manner, directly or indirectly, flout the laws of the land,” he said.

The leader of the Opposition, Paul Berenger then questioned the PM about who carries out enquiries that lead to the deportation of the foreign workers

“Not deportation but repatriation. The PMO’s office and the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment carry out these exercices,” said Ramgoolam. “Who takes the final decision,” asked Berenger, to which the PM said that it was the Prime Minister’s office(PMOs).