Region: Eastern Africa Regional Economic Communities (REC): COMESA · SADC
→ View IIAG Country Statistics
| Indicator | Data |
|---|---|
| Governance (IIAG) | Overall Governance score: 72.8 / 100 · Rank: 2nd / 54 |
(To be linked)
The population of Mauritius is approximately 1.26 million.
The informal economy is estimated to account for 21.6% of GDP, equivalent to approximately USD 10 billion (PPP-adjusted estimates).
Mauritius has a hybrid legal system, combining elements of:
This dual system reflects the country’s colonial history and continues to shape labour and commercial regulation.
Mauritius has been a member of the International Labour Organization (ILO) since 1969.
The country implements the Mauritius Decent Work Country Programme (MDWCP), which:
A second-generation MDWCP (2024–2029) is under development, focusing on inclusive growth and sustainable employment.
Mauritius has a relatively advanced labour rights framework.
Key legislation includes:
These laws provide for:
Mauritius also maintains a comprehensive social protection system, including:
However, enforcement challenges persist, and certain categories of workers (including some public sector workers) may fall outside full coverage.
Mauritius adopts a progressive integration approach, extending elements of labour law and social protection to informal and self-employed workers through sectoral regulation and general legislation.
The domestic work sector in Mauritius includes both local and migrant workers and remains partially informal.
Key features:
Regulatory note: Ongoing efforts are required to formalise the sector and ensure effective protection.
Street vendors (“hawkers”) are legally recognised.
Trade and Industries Classification Act 1951 (TICA)
Local Government Act 1989 (LGA) Classified Trade Regulations 1954
Additional regulation includes:
Vendors must obtain trade licences from local authorities.
Regulatory note: Street vending is regulated through a combination of licensing, public health, and municipal control mechanisms.
Mauritius regulates waste management through:
These frameworks address:
The Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change oversees policy implementation.
Regulatory note: No single dedicated law on waste reclaimers, but strong indirect regulation exists.
Workers’ Rights (Working from Home) Regulations 2020
Regulatory note: Mauritius is one of the few African jurisdictions with explicit remote work regulation.
Mauritius does not yet have sector-specific legislation for gig/platform work.
However:
2019 Mobility Law
Regulatory note: Policy discussions are ongoing regarding formal regulation of platform work.
Farm workers are regulated under:
These laws provide for:
Mauritius has a structured regulatory framework:
These regulate:
A 2022 policy initiative aims to formalise artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM).
Regulatory note: Implementation challenges remain, particularly in distinguishing artisanal from illegal mining.
Regulated under:
These provide for:
Cross-border informal trade involves small-scale, often unregistered transactions.
Key characteristics:
Regulatory note: While not always illegal, the sector remains weakly regulated.