> Mauritius Internships - practical steps, administrative procedures, planning, good to know <

[Martijn]

> Intern ship in Mauritius - practical steps, administrative procedures, planning, good to know <

Since we often get requests for intern ships in Mauritius which isn't easy to provide, I want to share my experience on this topic to exchange views on the forum. My view will be discussed openly and without liability on my part to the exact accuracy as of course the situation on the island changes at any time. So all my information is not guaranteed. It would be great if someone who has completed an intern ship in Mauritius would also shares his or her experience.

Let me begin, the following is what my research has shown, as well as what I have found out after discussions with various authorities.

The generally accepted duration of an intern ship is three months (if you want to be in Mauritius for a whole semester or an additional study period, more steps are necessary).

First of all, for planning an intern ship in Mauritius, I recommend you to start early. A year in advance would be appropriate, the sooner the better. Information on local websites of the Mauritian authorities indicate that job requests for market segments which have insufficient workers, are being processed more rapidly. However a request for an intern ship can take very long.

Secondly, you will need a very plausible, well thought reason why you want to do your intern ship in Mauritius . For example, if you are a student and for your study an intern ship is required. Therefore you need to formulate (in English) why the Mauritian government should allow you to come. Also, it is very important to mention why you want to do your intern ship at that specific company of your choice.

Third, if you found a company in Mauritius where you want to do your intern ship, this company must then write a letter to the local “Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations” and the “Passport and Immigration Office" to ask the permission to grant you an intern ship. They should also have an "Occupation Permit request" from you. That includes:

(1) Proof that you are a student enrolled in the University (X) and you need proof in writing from the university that an intern ship is required for your study.

(2) Furthermore a confirmation of your university that it agrees on a intern ship in Mauritius at the specific company of your choice. The writing must also include that it is about a non-profit intern ship. Internationals can only apply for a non-profit intern ship (so you will have to do your intern ship in Mauritius for no money).

(3) A statement by the company (X) that you accept yourself as an intern to be incorporated for a fixed period without pay.

(4) Photocopies of your passport and ID-card.

(5) A bank-statement to proof that you have enough money for your living costs.

(6) Proof that you have accommodation in Mauritius.

(7) Proof from a travel agent that you have an outward or return flight-ticket.

All the documents have to be processed in English.

These documents will then be sent by company (X). It might be that in some cases the sequences of the steps to be carried out is completely different. The best thing is that you and company (X) gather together as much information as possible when you request the permission for an intern ship and a work-permit. This would also show that your request is a serious one.

You have to issue the request here:

Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations & Employment,
Employment division
Work Permit Unit
10 th Floor,
Sterling House
9-11 Lislet Geoffroy Street
Port Louis
Mauritius

Tel: + 230 2132370 to 75
Fax: + 203 2110019, 2119458
Email: emp@mail.gov.mu


Passport & Immigration Office
Sterling House,
9-11, Lislet Geoffroy Street,
Port Louis
Telephone No : - (230) 210 9312
Fax No : - (230) 210 9322
E-Mail Address : - piomain@mail.gov.mu

Fourth, parallel to your request you can apply for a business visa. Here you will find some guidelines, like the ones above:
Internship in Mauritius

As well as the form to apply for your visa:
Ministry of Defense & Home Affairs


IMPORTANT!
The “Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations & Employment” can only allow you for an intern ship in Mauritius when the "Work Permit Section" approves that. When they do, you need a written proof of their approval. However, I am not sure if they then give you an “Occupational Permit”. That would be good to know.

This can take several months.

Its not wrong to regularly request the status of your application. Usually the company that would give you an intern ship would not check the status regularly because that is not their priority. Best is to directly call the “Work Permit Section” for your status.


Frequently asked questions:
Government of Mauritius
(Question nr. 13: Will the Ministry consider application for work permit from a foreigner who is already in the country on a tourist visa?
No.)


There would be different steps and criteria for someone who is planning to work in Mauritius. That would be a different theme for a new thread on the Forum. We leave the topic here on “Internship in Mauritius”.

I hope that the information above was helpful for the aspiring one or the other. It would be nice if someone who managed to get an intern ship in Mauritius shares what steps he/she had to go through and how she got everything working. That would help future students!

If something in this guide is incorrect, please post! This would help further interested people.


Good luck with your intern ship in Mauritius!

[Maritim Mauritius]

Looks like you're not happy with your internship months. I can suggest that you guys will enjoy it and everything will be fine.

But I can tell that Mauritius is a good place for vacation. It has great things to offer.

[Dietmar]

hi maritim, how are you ? welcom to the forums!

When was the last time you were on this lovely island ? Which places did you enjoy the most ?

bye bye, dietmar

[Maritim Mauritius]

Thanks! Been there months ago and we've stayed in Maritim Mauritius. We've tried snorkeling and we had so much fun. The hotel accommodates us well! The vacation was great. The name came from the hotel if you notice! haha..