Coping with COVID 19 : Update 13 April 2020

 

Following our previous communiques, we bring out some further updates from Mauritius.

Service Continuity at JurisTax

 Our offices remain closed but we are working fully remote under our Business Continuity Plan. JurisTax is operational, during the sanitary lockdown/ confinement, extended to 04 May 2020, providing the same reliable, high-quality service, assistance & support you always rely on, through our dedicated staff.

 We continue to ensure effective continuity of business to the best of our capabilities in these very challenging conditions. We rely on your patience and kind understanding in this challenging time.

 Do not hesitate to call us, email or text (WhatsApp, Facetime, Skype). Video meetings can be arranged as well. Please reach out to us or your contact person if you have any questions or concerns.

Regulators & Service Providers

 The FSC, ROC & MRA remain operational through remote working for essential services, but with skeleton staff.

 Banks are operating with reduced resources, through work-from-home schemes.

 Registrar General initiative to ensure business continuity in the country:

o Setting up of a team working from home for online processing of loans & other related documents to provide facilities to the public, particularly financial institutions.

o Deeds witnessing loans may be submitted online for registration and corresponding fees and duties will be paid through e-payment.

o The online services are accessible via the Mauritius e-registry system at https://eregistry.govmu.org/online/.

Measures by Government & other bodies

 Curfew/ Lockdown

o Taking into consideration various reports on the prevailing situation pertaining to the outbreak of COVID-19, the Government has extended the lockdown/curfew for Mauritius up to 04 May 2020 to contain the spread of the virus and ensure the safety of the population.

o The Ministry of Health & Wellness along with the Ministry of Social Integration, Social Security & National Solidarity started a home visit service as from 31 March 2020 - suspected cases of Covid-19 are referred to the Regional Public Health Superintendents for necessary actions.

o The Prime Minister and members of the Covid-19 communication team on self-isolation as the secretary of the Minister of Health was tested positive for Covid-19

 Economic Recovery

o The Government accelerates efforts and explores ways to limit the impact of Covid-19 on trade and businesses in Mauritius - Establishment of a Steering Committee with members from both public & private sectors to assess the pandemic's impact in Mauritius.

o The National Steering Committee will develop a post-curfew Strategy and Action Plan for a phased resumption of economic and other activities through four sub-committees: (a) Education, Health & Social Committee, (b) Public Sector & Local Authorities, (c) Labour Issues & Transport, and (d) Finance & Economic Matters.

o MUR 30 billion earmarked to sustain the economy. A Recovery Plan is being developed by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development in collaboration with several stakeholders.

Export sector estimated to be on decline as principal markets impacted by the pandemic; focus on local markets.

o The Mauritius Research and Innovation Council (MRIC) is making a Special Call for Proposals by 17 April 2020, towards contributing to national efforts to counter the Covid-19 pandemic.

o Small planters authorised to sell their produce to supermarkets under a Support Plan implemented by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Development.

o The Government is working on a plan to cautiously reopen the country so that economic activities resume but under strict sanitary measures.

 Mauritius Revenue Authority & Tax Incentives

o The MRA has disbursed funds to over 100,000 employees in 9,440 businesses under the Wage Assistance Scheme.

o A new plan in continuity to the Wage Assistance Scheme is being elaborated by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning & Development.

o Around 50,000 online applications received under the Self-Employed Assistance Scheme have been processed.

 Bank of Mauritius (BOM)

o To ensure continuity of banking services by domestic commercial banks, key branches are in operations in strategic locations from Monday-Friday from 10:00-13:00 with reduced personnel, providing basic banking services.

o Internal operations & telephone-based Contact Centres remain operational during normal hours.

o It is strongly encouraged to use internet banking & electronic modes of payments to avoid visiting bank branches.

 Health

o International World Health Day on 07 April 2020, celebrated the work of nurses and midwives, reminding world leaders of the critical role they play in keeping the world healthy.

o Emergency Meeting of the SADC Council through video conference on 6 April 2020 – adoption of the report of the Technical Committee coordinating and monitoring the SADC Protocol on Health.

o A mapping of regional manufacturers of essential medicines and medical supplies will be done for the SADC Pooled Procurement Agency to make bulk purchases for its Member States on preferential rates during the pandemic.

o The Mauritius Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MCCI) facilitated an agreement between Air Mauritius & Rogers Aviation (Mauritius) Ltd to operate a chartered flight from Ghangzhou to Mauritius for priority medical supplies. This is the first emergency charter flight from China. The Government will airlift 231 tons of medical equipment from China.

o Other charter flights will be operating from China and other destinations subject to cargo loads, namely: Mumbai, France, South Africa and Reunion.

o Covid-19 patients on recovery path – a new therapy (Plasmapheresis) started for patients in intensive care.

 Additional Facilities & Support

o The Government is currently working on a plan to support the most vulnerable this month – details will be communicated soon

o Basic food items have been distributed to families on the Social Register of Mauritius, beneficiaries of Carer’s Allowance, shelters, homes & charitable institutions.

 Foreign Relations

o Mauritius funds can apply for Category-I registrations with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) following amendments in the foreign portfolio investment (FPI) regulations – this follows measures by Indian Government after many foreign funds liquidating their investments in India due to the pandemic-related uncertainties.

These are general guidance and not to be construed as advice of any kind.

Stay Safe & Healthy

The pandemic has deeply affected our families, our businesses, our communities, and our way of life, globally. Our hearts go out to anyone who might have been deeply impacted by the virus, directly or indirectly.

These are trying times for each & every one. Thank you all for your continued support. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Wishing good health and better days ahead for us all,

 

Stay Safe

JurisTax Team