Insight · 30 October 2026

Occupation Permit salary in Mauritius: what changes at renewal?

For a new Occupation Permit under the Professional category in Mauritius, the minimum monthly basic salary is MUR 50,000 across all sectors. Existing holders should check the first-renewal transition before assuming an immediate increase is required.

Indian Ocean Millenium Partners, also trading as JNP Recruiting Services, advises employers on salary reviews and renewal preparation as a manpower consultancy. The employer remains responsible for the application and employment decisions.

Last reviewed October 2026. Rules change, so confirm the current requirements with the authorities before you apply.

IT professional at work in Mauritius, a role often filled under an Occupation Permit

What is the current salary rule?

EDB's August 2026 update confirms the threshold. The Economic and Financial Measures (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, Act No. 13 of 2026, gazetted on 13 August 2026, sets out the amended criteria. The salary requirement is in force.

Section 15(e)(i) replaces Part I of the First Schedule to the Economic Development Board Act with the text in the 2026 Act's Fifth Schedule. For a new professional hire, compare basic salary with MUR 50,000 before committing to the offer. Meeting the salary condition alone does not establish eligibility.

Does every existing holder need an immediate increase?

The new threshold for applications does not automatically require a pay rise for every existing holder. Section 25(e)(ii) inserts section 40(3B) into the Immigration Act 2022. Under this provision, the first renewal of a professional's Occupation Permit follows the criteria in force immediately before the First Schedule was amended.

Section 61(4) brings this protection into force on 1 October 2026. Check the original approval and renewal history with EDB before relying on it. It covers the first renewal and does not guarantee later renewals under the previous criteria.

Need workers for your business? Tell us the roles and numbers and we will come back with a plan.

What does basic salary mean for payroll?

The criterion is monthly basic salary. Use the contractual base pay for your comparison. Show overtime, bonuses, allowances, reimbursements and benefits separately. Do not assume that the total remuneration package meets the requirement.

If you are unsure how a pay component is treated, ask EDB to confirm before applying. Make sure any agreed salary change is consistent across the signed contract amendment, payroll instructions and application.

How long will the permit last?

EDB's Professional page and guidelines specify a permit duration of the contract period or ten years, whichever is shorter. PIO's Occupation Permit page still states a maximum of three years or the contract duration. The two authorities give different durations. Ask EDB and PIO to confirm which duration applies to your application. Plan around the expiry date printed on the current permit.

What should HR check before renewal?

Permit history. Record the category, approval date, expiry and previous renewals.
Pay and contract. Review basic salary, obtain approval for any change and arrange a signed amendment where needed.
Evidence. Reconcile the contract, payslips and salary payments. Use the current EDB checklist to identify missing documents.
Submission calendar. EDB's guidelines say to submit a renewal application on NELS at least one month before expiry. Start preparation earlier to allow for corrections.

Retain the submission acknowledgement and follow up on outstanding requests. Do not treat submission as approval.

Which application route should you check?

New application? Compare monthly basic salary with MUR 50,000. If it falls short, review the offer or ask about another eligible route.
Existing holder's first renewal? Ask EDB to confirm which previous criteria apply, based on the permit history. Record the response before deciding whether a salary amendment is needed.
Threshold still unmet? Ask the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations whether a Work Permit is available for the role. Ask PIO about the associated residence permission.

The Ministry's February 2026 Work Permit information sheet sets out a separate application route and a checklist for professionals. There is no guarantee of conversion from an Occupation Permit. Confirm eligibility and the required approvals before changing arrangements.

Frequently asked questions

Can benefits make up the MUR 50,000?

Do not assume so. The criterion is monthly basic salary. Ask EDB if you are unsure about any component.

Does the transition cover every renewal?

The legal protection covers the first renewal. Confirm with EDB whether it applies to the holder.

Which expiry date should HR use?

Use the current permit's expiry date and confirm the requested renewal duration with EDB and PIO.

Official sources

* About this information: the content on this page is based on official sources that were checked in October 2026 and was accurate at that time. Government rules, fees and processing times change, sometimes at short notice. Before relying on any point on this page, confirm it with the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations, the Economic Development Board or the Passport and Immigration Office. This page is general information, not legal advice.