Among these people are the vendors and employees who took a few weeks off from their employer to perform as street vendors to supplement their seasonal end of the month.
The Mauritius Revenue Authority (MRA) suspected these shopkeepers tax evasion for several years. Each year because they are almost the same people who go abroad during this period back with suitcases full of goods.
MRA more vigilant
MRA officers closely monitor the movements of these people who assert their right to leave to sell the goods they have bought. These traders who are targeted by the MRA are the number one hundred. These seasonal merchants and others who do not declare their income. These peddlers travel frequently and brew annual turnover ranging from Rs 2 million to Rs 5 million. Seasonal sales are the same as street vendors.
These hawkers earn around Rs 350,000 per month and twice during the holiday season ... without declaring to the taxman. They employ salespeople who are stationed at strategic locations in Port Louis, Rose Hill, Flacq and elsewhere. Among these traders include large vendors who import counterfeit clothing. They have hitherto escaped the net of tax is because these brands are not registered in Mauritius. These products are sold at very competitive prices.
For hawkers it is true that they brew million. "It is impossible to become rich while working in the street, especially since many vendors are," says Roshan, a small trader.
"With the approaching holiday season, officials are taking a long leave for work as merchants seasonal, "says our interlocutor.