Google’s annual Year in Search Report named Mauritius as the most googled destination by South African internet users in 2020 as citizens here yearned to escape, and now it is allowing visitors to spend a period of up to one year on the island. The government hopes the new premium visa will encourage international visitors to stay for longer periods to help offset the damage caused to the island’s travel and tourism sector by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The other difference about this visa, apart from the fact it’s premium, is that it has no age restriction, no minimum education requirement, no medical health screening and no language requirement for premium visa applicants. There is also no cost for the visa. The Mauritius government is issuing premium visas free of charge to those who meet the requirements.

No one is obligated to lodge an application for permanent residence or to apply for residence under the country’s Investor Scheme at the end of the premium visa. The premium visa is renewable, so applicants may extend the visa once they have settled in Mauritius.

Mauritius is an African success story. The island’s government is closely modelled on the UK’s Westminster parliamentary system. The country is highly rated in terms of democracy, economic and political freedom, and is classified by the World Bank as a high-income economy.

What’s also cool is the fact that Mauritius is not far from South Africa. In about four hours you can reach Johannesburg or Durban on a direct flight from the place.

 

Premium visa requirements:

Applicants cannot enter the labour market in Mauritius;

Applicants must prove they have income from sources outside of Mauritius;

Applicants need to have health and travel insurance for the initial period of their stay;

Applicants must be able to show proof of their long-term plans;

All travellers must complete a 14-day quarantine on arrival in Mauritius.

Click here for more information on the premium visa.

 

Main Image: Curly Tales