Mauritius

Compiled from the December 2007 Background Note and supplemented with additional information from the State Department and the editors of this volume. See the introduction to this set for explanatory notes.

Official Name:

Republic of Mauritius

PROFILE

Geography

Area: 1,865 sq. km. (720 sq. mi.), about the size of Rhode Island; 500 miles east of Madagascar, in the Indian Ocean.

Dependencies: Rodrigues Island, the Agalega Islands and Cargados Carajos Shoals; Mauritius also claims sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago, part of the British Indian Ocean Territory, where U.S. Naval Support Facility at Diego Garcia is located.

Cities: Capital—Port Louis (pop. 146,319). Other cities—Beau Bassin and Rose Hill (105,377), Vacoas-Phoenix (101,789), Curepipe (82,756), Quatre Bornes (77,145).

Terrain: Volcanic island surrounded by coral reefs. A central plateau is rimmed by mountains.

Climate: Tropical; cyclone season mid-December-April.

People

Nationality: Noun and adjective—Mauritian(s).

Population: (2005) 1,248,592, including Rodrigues, Agalega, and St. Brandon.

Avg. annual population growth: (2005) 0.9%. Density—612/sq. km.

Ethnic groups: Indo-Mauritians 68%, Creoles 27%, Sino-Mauritians 3%, Franco-Mauritians 2%.

Religions: Hindu, Roman Catholic, Muslim.

Languages: Creole (common), French, English (official), Hindi, Urdu, Hakka, Bhojpuri.

Education: Years compulsory—11 (primary school). Attendance (primary school)—virtually universal. Literacy—adult population 85%; school population 90%.

Health: (2005) Infant mortality rate—14.8/1000. Life expectancy—male 68.6 yrs., female 75.5 yrs.

Work force: (2005, 543,900) Manufacturing—19.8%; construction-9.7%; trade and tourism—22.3%; government services—16.6%; agriculture and fishing—9.6%; other-31.7%.

Government

Type: Republic.

Independence: March 12, 1968 (became a republic in 1992).

Constitution: March 12, 1968.

Government branches: Executive—president (head of state), prime minister (head of government), Council of Ministers. Legislative—unicameral National Assembly. Judicial—Supreme Court.

Political subdivisions: 10.

Political parties: MSM (Militant Socialist Movement), MMM (Mauritian Militant Movement) and the Social Alliance (made up of several parties, including the Mauritian Labor Party).

Suffrage: Universal over 18.

Defense: (2006) 1.7% of GDP.

Economy

GDP: (2006) $6.5 billion.

Real growth rate: (2006) 5%.

Per capita income: (2006) $5,214.

Avg. inflation rate: (2006) 8.9%.

Natural resources: None.

Agriculture: (5.6% of GDP) Products—sugar, sugar derivatives, tea, tobacco, vegetables, fruits, flowers and fishing.

Manufacturing: including export processing zone (20% of GDP) Types—labor-intensive goods for export, including textiles and clothing, watches and clocks, jewelry, optical goods, toys and games, and cut flowers.

Tourism: (8.5% of GDP) Main countries of origin—France, including nearby French island Reunion, South Africa, and west European countries.

Financial services: 10.3% of GDP.

Trade: (2006) Exports—$2.2 billion: textiles and clothing, sugar, canned tuna, watches and clocks, jewelry, optical goods, toys and games, and flowers. Major markets—Europe and the U.S. Imports—$3.7 billion: meat, dairy products, fish, wheat, rice, wheat flour, vegetable oil, petroleum products, iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, machinery and transport equipment, and textile industry raw materials. Major suppliers—South Africa, France, China, India, Bahrain, Finland, U.K., Japan, Australia, and Germany. Fiscal year: July 1-June 30.

HISTORY

While Arab and Malay sailors knew of Mauritius as early as the 10th century AD and Portuguese sailors first visited in the 16th century, the island was first colonized in 1638 by the Dutch. Mauritius was populated over the next few centuries by waves of traders, planters and their slaves, indentured laborers, merchants, and artisans. The island was named in honor of Prince Maurice of Nassau by the Dutch, who abandoned the colony in 1710.

The French claimed Mauritius in 1715 and renamed it Ile de France. It became a prosperous colony under the French East India Company. The French Government took control in 1767, and the island served as a naval and privateer base during the Napoleonic wars. In 1810, Mauritius was captured by the British, whose possession of the island was confirmed 4 years later by the Treaty of Paris. French institutions, including the Napoleonic code of law, were maintained. The French language is still used more widely than English.

Mauritian Creoles trace their origins to the plantation owners and slaves who were brought to work the sugar fields. Indo-Mauritians are descended from Indian immigrants who arrived in the 19th century to work as indentured laborers after slavery was abolished in 1835. Included in the Indo-Mauritian community are Muslims (about 17% of the population) from the Indian subcontinent.

Franco-Mauritians control nearly all of the large sugar estates and are active in business and banking. As the Indian population became numerically dominant and the voting franchise was extended, political power shifted from the Franco-Mauritians and their Creole allies to the Hindus.

Elections in 1947 for the newly created Legislative Assembly marked Mauritius’ first steps toward self-rule. An independence campaign gained momentum after 1961, when the British agreed to permit additional self-government and eventual independence. A coalition composed of the Mauritian Labor Party (MLP), the Muslim Committee of Action (CAM), and the Independent Forward Bloc (IFB)—a traditionalist Hindu party—won a majority in the 1967 Legislative Assembly election, despite opposition from Franco-Mauritian and Creole supporters of Gaetan Duval's Mauritian Social Democratic Party (PMSD). The contest was interpreted locally as a referendum on independence. Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam, MLP leader and chief minister in the colonial government, became the first prime minister at independence, on March 12, 1968. This event was preceded by a period of communal strife, brought under control with assistance from British troops.

GOVERNMENT AND POLITICAL CONDITIONS

Mauritian politics are vibrant and characterized by coalition and alliance building. All parties are centrist and reflect a national consensus that supports democratic politics and a relatively open economy with a strong private sector. Parliamentary elections were held July 3, 2005.

Alone or in coalition, the Mauritian Labor Party (MLP) ruled from 1947 through 1982 and returned to power in 1995. The Mauritian Militant Movement/Mauritian Socialist Party (MMM/PSM) alliance won the 1982 election. In 1983, defectors from the MMM joined with the PSM to form the Militant Socialist Movement (MSM) and won a working majority. In July 1990, the MSM realigned with the MMM, and in September 1991, national elections won 59 of the 62 directly elected seats in parliament. In December 1995, the MLP returned to power, this time in coalition with the MMM. Labor's Navin-chandra Ramgoolam, son of the country's first prime minister, became prime minister himself. Ramgoolam dismissed his MMM coalition partners in mid-1997, leaving Labor in power except for several small parties allied with it. Elections in Septetember 2000 saw the re-emergence of the MSM-MMM as a winning alliance, as the coalition garnered 51.7% of the vote, and Sir Anerood Jugn-auth once again became the prime minister with the caveat that midterm, the leader of the MMM party would take over as prime minister. In September 2003, in keeping with the campaign promise which forged the coalition, Jugnauth stepped down from office and deputy prime minister Paul Raymond Berenger became prime minister. One month later, Sir Anerood Jugnauth was sworn in as President of the Republic. Berenger became the first Catholic, Franco-Mauritian to head the government. The move created an historic precedent of having a non-Hindu, non-majority member head the national government. The 2005 parliamentary elections returned Navinchandra Ramgoolam to office as prime minister.

Mauritius became a republic on March 12, 1992. The most immediate result was that a Mauritian-born president became head of state, replacing Queen Elizabeth II. Under the amended constitution, political power remained with parliament. The Council of Ministers (cabinet), responsible for the direction and control of the government, consists of the prime minister (head of government), the leader of the majority party in the legislature, and about 20 ministries.

The unicameral National Assembly has up to 70 deputies. Sixty-two are elected by universal suffrage, and as many as eight “best losers” are chosen from the runners-up by the Electoral Supervisory Commission using a formula designed to give at least minimal representation to all ethnic communities and under-represented parties. Elections are scheduled at least every 5 years.

Mauritian law is an amalgam of French and British legal traditions. The Supreme Court—a chief justice and five other judges—is the highest judicial authority. There is an additional right of appeal to the Queen's Privy Council. Local government has nine administrative divisions, with municipal and town councils in urban areas and district and village councils in rural areas. The island of Rodrigues forms the country's 10th administrative division.

Principal Government Officials

Last Updated: 2/1/2008

Pres.: Anerood JUGNAUTH, Sir

Prime Min.: Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM, Dr.

Dep. Prime Min.: Ahmed Rashid BEEBEEJAUN

Dep. Prime Min.: Charles Gaetan Xavier Luc DUVAL

Dep. Prime Min.: Ramakrishna SITHANEN

Min. of Agro Industry & Fisheries: Arvin BOOLELL

Min. of Arts & Culture: Mahendra GOWRESSOO

Min. of Civil Service & Admin. Reforms: Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM, Dr.

Min. of Defense & Home Affairs: Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM, Dr.

Min. of Education & Human Resources: Dharambeer GOKHOOL

Min. of Environment & National Development Unit: Anil Kumar BACHOO

Min. of Finance & Economic Development: Ramakrishna SITHANEN

Min. of Foreign Affairs, Intl. Trade, & Cooperation: Murlidhar Madun DULLOO

Min. of Health & Quality of Life: Satya Veyash FAUGOO

Min. of Housing & Lands: Mohammed Asraf Ally DULULL

Min. of Industry, Small & Medium Enterprises, Commerce, & Cooperatives: Rajeshwar JEETAH

Min. of Information Technology & Telecommunications: Marie Joseph Noel-Etienne Ghislain SINATAMBOU

Min. of Justice & Human Rights: Jayarama VALAYDEN

Min. of Labor, Industrial Relations, & Employment: Vasant Kumar BUN WAREE

Min. of Local Govt.: James Burty DAVID

Min. of Public Infrastructure, Land Transport, & Shipping: Ahmed Rashid BEEBEEJAUN

Min. of Public Utilities: Abu Twalib KASENALLY

Min. of Rodrigues & Outer Islands:Navinchandra RAMGOOLAM, Dr.

Min. of Social Security, National Solidarity, & Senior Citizen Welfare & Reform Institutions: Sheilabai BAPPOO

Min. of Tourism, Leisure, & External Communications: Charles Gaetan Xavier Luc DUVAL

Min. of Women's Rights, Child Development, Family Welfare, & Consumer Protection: Indranee SEEBUN

Min. of Youth & Sports: Sylvio Hock Sheen TANG WAH HING

Attorney Gen.: Jayarama VALAYDEN Governor, Central Bank: Rameswurlall Basant ROI

Ambassador to the US: Usha JEETAH

Permanent Representative to the UN, NewYork: Jagdish KOONJUL

Mauritius maintains an embassy at 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008, (tel. 202-244-1491).

ECONOMY

Mauritius has one of the most successful and competitive economies in Africa; 2006 GDP at market prices was estimated at $6.5 billion and per capita income at $5,214, one of the highest in Africa. The economy is based on tourism, textiles, sugar, and financial services. In recent years, information and communication technology (ICT) and seafood have emerged as important sectors of the economy, growing by an average of 40% last year. Over the past two decades, real output growth averaged just below 6% per year, leading to a more than doubling of per capita income and a marked improvement in social indicators. However, since 2002, the economy started to face some serious challenges as a result of globalization, involving the erosion of trade preferences for both textiles and sugar, two pillars of the economy. Economic growth declined to 3-4% while unemployment, government budget deficit, and public debt increased steadily.

The government that took office in July 2005 embarked on a bold economic reform program aimed at moving Mauritius from reliance on trade preferences to global competitiveness. The reform strategy, outlined in the FY 2006-2007 government budget, was designed not only to remedy fiscal weaknesses but also to open up the economy, facilitate business, improve the investment climate, and mobilize foreign direct investment and expertise. The reforms and the opening up of the economy have already started to positively impact the economy. GDP growth increased to 5% in 2006, and the same rate is expected in 2007.

In addition to encouraging the restructuring and modernization of the textile and sugar sectors, the government is putting much emphasis on the development of the ICT sector and the promotion of Mauritius as a seafood hub in the region, using existing logistics and distribution facilities at the Freeport (free trade zone at the port and airport). To further diversify the economic base and generate sustainable growth, the government is actively encouraging the following economic activities: (i) the land-based oceanic industry, (ii) hospitality and property development, (iii) healthcare and biomedical industry, (iv) agro-processing and biotechnology, and (v) the knowledge industry.

The business climate is friendly yet extremely competitive. The World Bank 2007 Doing Business Survey ranks Mauritius 32nd in the world and second in Africa for ease of doing business. Mauritius has a long tradition of private entrepreneurship, which has led to a strong and dynamic private sector. Firms entering the market will find a well-developed legal and commercial infrastructure. With regard to telecommunications, Mauritius has a well-developed digital infrastructure and offers state-of-the-art telecommunications facilities including international leased lines and high speed Internet access. Telecommunications services were liberalized in January 2003. The government policy is to act as a facilitator to business, leaving production to the private sector. However, it still controls key utility services directly or through parastatals, including electricity, water, waste water, postal services, and broadcasting. The State Trading Corporation controls imports of rice, flour, petroleum products, and cement.

FOREIGN RELATIONS

Mauritius has strong and friendly relations with the West as well as with India and the countries of southern and eastern Africa. It is a member of the African Union (AU), World Trade Organization (WTO), the Commonwealth, La Francophonie, the Southern Africa Development Community (SADC), the Indian Ocean Commission, Community of Eastern and South African States (COMESA), and the recently formed Indian Ocean Rim Association. In 2004, then-Prime Minister Berenger became chairman of SADC for a one-year term.

Trade, commitment to democracy, colonial and cultural ties, and the country's small size are driving forces behind Mauritian foreign policy. The country's political heritage and dependence on Western markets have led to close ties with the European Union and its member states, particularly the United Kingdom and France, which exercises sovereignty over neighboring Reunion.

Considered part of Africa geographically, Mauritius has friendly relations with other African states in the region, particularly South Africa, by far its largest continental trading partner. Mauritian investors are gradually entering African markets, notably Madagascar and Mozambique. Mauritius coordinates much of its foreign policy with the Southern Africa Development Community and the African Union.

Relations with India are strong for both historical and commercial reasons. Foreign embassies in Mauritius include Australia, the United Kingdom, China, Egypt, France, India, Madagascar, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, and the United States.

DEFENSE

Mauritius does not have a standing army. All military, police, and security functions are carried out by 10,000 active-duty personnel under the command of the Commissioner of Police. The 8,000-member National Police is responsible for domestic law enforcement. The 1,400-member Special Mobile Force (SMF) and the 688-member National Coast Guard are the only two paramilitary units in Mauritius. Both units are composed of police officers on lengthy rotations to those services.

The SMF is organized as a ground infantry unit and engages extensively in civic works projects. The Coast Guard has four patrol craft for search-and-rescue missions and surveillance of territorial waters. A 100-member police helicopter squadron assists in search-and-rescue operations. There also is a special supporting unit of 270 members trained in riot control.

Military advisers from the United Kingdom and India work with the SMF, the Coast Guard, and the Police Helicopter Unit, and Mauritian police officers are trained in the United Kingdom, India, and France. The United States provides training to Mauritian security officers in such fields as counter-terrorism methods, seamanship, and maritime law enforcement.

U.S.-MAURITIAN RELATIONS

Official U.S. representation in Mauritius dates from the end of the 18th century. An American consulate established in 1794 closed in 1911. It was reopened in 1967 and elevated to embassy status upon the country's independence in 1968. Since 1970, the mission has been directed by a resident U.S. ambassador.

Relations between the United States and Mauritius are cordial and largely revolve around trade. The United States is Mauritius’ third-largest market but ranks 12th in terms of exports to Mauritius. Principal imports from the U.S. include aircraft parts (for Air Mauritius), automatic data processing machines, diamonds, jewelry, radio/TV transmission apparatus, telecommunications equipment, agricultural/construction/ industrial machinery and equipment, casino slot machines, outboard motors, books and encyclopedias, and industrial chemicals.

Mauritian exports to the U.S. include apparel, sugar, non-industrial diamonds, jewelry articles, live animals, sunglasses, rum, and cut flowers. Mauritian products that meet the rules of origin are eligible for duty-and quota-free entry in the U.S. market under the African Growth and Opportunity Act. In September 2006, the Governments of Mauritius and the United States signed a Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to remove impediments and further enhance trade and investment relations between the two countries.

More than 200 U.S. companies are represented in Mauritius. About 30 have offices in Mauritius, serving the domestic and/or the regional market, mainly in the information technology (IT), textile, fast food, express courier, and financial services sectors. The largest U.S. subsidiaries are Caltex Oil Mauritius and Esso Mauritius. U.S. brands are sold widely. Several U.S. franchises, notably Kentucky Fried Chicken, Pizza Hut, and McDonald's have been operating for a number of years in Mauritius.

The United States funds a small military assistance program. The embassy also manages special self-help funds for community groups and nongovernmental organizations and a democracy and human rights fund.

Principal U.S. Embassy Officials

Last Updated : 2/19/2008

PORT LOUIS (E) 4th Floor Rogers House, John Kennedy St., Port Louis, Mauritius, (230) 202-4400, Fax (230) 208-9534, INMARSAT Tel 881631439038/881631439039, Work-week: M-Th: 0730-1645; F:0730-1230, Website: http://mauritius.usembassy.gov.

TRAVEL

Consular Information Sheet

December 14, 2007

Country Description: The Republic of Mauritius is a small island nation of four inhabited and several other islands located in the southwestern Indian Ocean. Mauritius has a stable government and a diverse economy. Its per capita GDP of $5,214 is the second highest in Africa. Facilities for tourism are well developed. In order of frequency, Creole, French, and English are spoken; English and French are common in the main towns and tourist areas but may not be understood in outlying villages. The capital city is Port Louis.

Entry Requirements: A valid passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds are required. Immigration authorities require the validity of the entrant's passport to be greater than six months upon both arrival and departure. Travelers must also provide a local address where they will be staying in Mauritius. Visas are issued at the point of entry. A tourist entry fee and the airport departure tax are included in the price of a plane ticket. Travelers coming from yellow fever-infected areas may be asked to present a yellow fever vaccination certificate. Travelers should obtain the latest information and details from the Embassy of Mauritius, 4301 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 441, Washington, DC 20008; telephone (202) 244-1491/2, or the Honorary Consulate in Los Angeles, telephone (310) 557-2009. Overseas, inquiries may be made at the nearest Mauritian embassy or consulate. Visit the web site of the Embassy of Mauritius for the most current visa information at http://www.maurinet.com/embasydc.html.

Safety and Security: Thefts in tourist areas are a concern, and visitors should keep track of their belongings at all times. Women are advised against walking alone, particularly on public beaches and at night. There has been an increase in reports of sexual assault and harassment of foreign travelers. Americans should avoid crowds and street demonstrations, and maintain a low profile. For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's web site, where the current World-wide Caution Travel Alert, Middle East and North Africa Travel Alert, Travel Warnings and other Travel Alerts can be found. Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.

Crime: Although violent crimes are uncommon, petty crime is a problem. There is potential for pick pocketing and purse snatching, especially in crowded areas. Residential break-ins are reported frequently on the island. Most break-ins are surreptitious and do not involve violence, however some burglars have brandished weapons, such as knives or machetes. Although uncommon, there have been reports of armed robbery and assault. It is unwise to walk alone at night outside the immediate grounds of hotels. All individuals should exercise caution on beaches and poorly lit or deserted areas at night.

Information for Victims of Crime: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

Medical Facilities and Health Information: Medical facilities are available, but more limited than in the United States. Emergency assistance is limited. While public hospitals and clinics provide free care, many visitors may choose to be treated by private doctors and hospitals. Service Aide Medicale Urgence (SAMU) is a government organization that provides ambulance and emergency assistance in response to calls to 114 (Address: Volcy Pougnet Street, Port Louis). MegaCare is a private organization that provides assistance to subscribers only (Address: 99 Draper Avenue, Quatre Bornes; phone: 116; 464-6116).

Outbreaks of the mosquito borne virus Chikungunya have occurred in recent years; however, very few cases have been reported in 2007. For more information, please see the CDC’ fact sheet on Chikungunya.

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC's web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's (WHO) web site at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at www.who.int/ith/en.

Medical Insurance: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation.

Traffic Safety and Road Conditions: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Mauritius is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Driving is on the left side of the road. Roads are sometimes narrow and uneven with inadequate lighting, which makes night driving hazardous. Speed limits are posted in kilometers per hour, but all road and traffic signs are posted in English. Drivers and all passengers are required to wear seat belts. Drivers and passengers on motorcycles are required to wear helmets. Babies and toddlers should be placed in child safety seats. Many accidents occur due to excessive speed and violations of road regulations.

Drivers involved in an accident are required by law to remain at the scene until the police arrive. However, if an angry crowd gathers and those involved in the accident feel threatened, police and judicial authorities have in the past not taken action against drivers who leave the scene if they have proceeded directly to a police station. While there are organizations that provide emergency or roadside assistance, their resources and capabilities are limited and they are on occasion unable to respond in non-life threatening incidents. Public transportation by bus is available between the main towns until 11:00 p.m. and in remote areas until 6 p.m. Taxis are also available.

Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service between the United States and Mauritius, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Mauritius’ Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA's web site at http://www.faa.gov.

Special Circumstances: Spear fishing equipment may not be imported into Mauritius. Animals may be required to undergo a quarantine period of up to six months, depending on country of origin and residence history. Please contact the Mauritian Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals at (230) 464-5084 for specific information related to your pet.

Criminal Penalties: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Mauritius’ laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Mauritius are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States.

Children's Issues: For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, see the Office of Children's Issues website at http://travel.state.gov/family.

Registration and Embassy Locations: Americans living or traveling in Mauritius are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department's travel registration web site, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Mauritius. Americans without Internet access may register directly at the U.S. Embassy. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located on the fourth floor of the Rogers House on John F. Kennedy Street in Port Louis, telephone (230) 202-4400; fax (230) 208-9534. The Embassy email address is [email protected], and the web site is http://mauritius.usembassy.gov.

International Adoption

August 2007

The information in this section has been edited from a report of the State Department Bureau of Consular Affairs, Office of Overseas Citizens Services. For more information, please read the International Adoption section of this book and review current reports online at http://travel.state.gov/family.

Disclaimer: The information in this flyer relating to the legal requirements of specific foreign countries is based on public sources and current understanding. Questions involving foreign and U.S. immigration laws and legal interpretation should be addressed respectively to qualified foreign or U.S. legal counsel.

Please Note : Immigrant visas for adopted Mauritian children are issued at the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. For more information on scheduling a visa appointment, please see the immigrant visa page on the web site of the U.S. Embassy in Kenya at http://nairobi.usembassy.gov/wwwhinsl.html.

Patterns of Immigration: In the last five fiscal years no immigrant visas have been issued to Mauritian orphans.

Adoption Authority:
National Adoption Council (NAC)
3rd Floor Government Centre
Port Louis, Mauritius
Tel: (230) 201 3549; fax: 210 8151
Contact: Mrs. Baccha or Mrs. Purryag

Eligibility Requirements for Adoptive Parents: Adoptive parents must be at least 15 years older than the child. Adoptive parents may be single or married.

Residency Requirements: There are no residency requirements to complete an intercountry adoption in Mauritius.

Time Frame: The approval of the application takes approximately of 60 days, during which time the NAC verifies information regarding the biological child, including his actual home situation and information provided in the home study. There is an additional 15 days needed to complete court procedures for an adoption. If prospective parents are residing outside Mauritius, they may request a phone interview, but the Mauritian authorities view this as the exception rather than the rule. Adoptive parents will need to come to Mauritius at the time the adoption is brought before the judge for a decision.

Adoption Agencies and Attorneys: A lawyer may be needed to expedite matters. The U.S. Embassy in Port Louis has a list of attorneys who have indicated a willingness to work with U.S. citizens that can be made available upon request. Neither the U.S. Embassy nor the Department of State assumes any responsibility for the quality of services provided by these attorneys or their employees. Please see the Embassy's web page for a list of attorneys practicing in Mauritius. http://mauritiususembassy.gov/attorneys.html.

Adoption Fees: A non-refundable 5,000 Mauritian Rupees (MRs) application fee together with a guarantee fee of MRs 20,000, refundable upon completion of the adoption, must be sent with the application and supporting documents to the NAC.

Adoption Procedures: The Mauritian National Adoption Council does not match adoptable orphans with prospective adoptive parents. Adoptable children are located through personal contacts with families who are unable to care for their child and are willing to give up their child for adoption. Prospective adoptive parents are advised to verify ahead of time that their Mauritian prospective adoptive child meets the definition of “legal orphan” as defined by the Immigration and Nationality Act Section 101(b)(1)(F).

The application for adoption is filed with the NAC. Once it is approved, the case is brought before a judge. The judge must approve the adoption. Adoptive parents are advised to consider retaining the services of an attorney to handle the judicial proceedings. Prospective adoptive parents must attend the adoption hearing in Mauritius.

Required Documents:

An application form for adoption must be filed at the National Adoption Council (NAC), along with the following documents:

• 4 photos of the child duly endorsed by a lawyer (the lawyer confirms the photo is a true photo of the child being adopted);
• Birth certificate of the child;
• 2 comprehensive medical certificates for the child from two different child specialists;
• Birth and marriage certificate(s) of the biological parents(if applicable);
• Divorce decree of the biological parents, if applicable;
• Medical certificate(s) of biological parents, if applicable;
• 2 recent passport size photos of the biological parents;
• Birth certificate(s) of prospective adoptive parents;
• Marriage certificate of prospective adoptive parents, if applicable;
• A home study from an adoption services provider in the United States;
• Documentation of financial means of prospective adoptive parents;
• If applicable, documents of ownership of a house/estate;
• Report of any criminal record from the U.S. (U.S. state level will suffice);
• If either of the prospective adoptive parents is unable to have a child, medical certificate documenting this fact must be submitted;
• Guarantee that in case of an accident, a specified third party will take care of child;
• Progress report of a Mauritian child adopted by applicants, if applicable. Note: This is a one time report if a previous adoption was done for a Mauritian child, and it is to be submitted upon application for the second Mauritian child.

Embassy of the Republic of Mauritius
4301 Connecticut Avenue, N.W.,
Suite 441
Washington, DC 20008
Tel.: (202) 244-1491/1492
Fax: (202) 966-098
E-mail: [email protected]

U.S. Immigration Requirements: Prospective adoptive parents are strongly encouraged to consult USCIS publication M-249, The Immigration of Adopted and Prospective Adoptive Children, as well as the Department of State publication, International Adoptions. Please see the International Adoption section of this book for more details and review current reports online at http://travel.state.gov/family.

U.S. Embassy
4th floor, Rogers House
John Kennedy Avenue
Port Louis, Mauritius
Email: [email protected]
Tel:(230)202-4400
Fax:(230)208-9534

Additional Information: Specific questions about adoption in Mauritius may be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis. Questions about U.S. immigration procedures for adopted Mauritian children should be addressed to the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, Kenya. General questions regarding intercountry adoption may be addressed to the Office of Children's Issues, U.S. Department of State, CA/OCS/CI, 2201 C Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20520-4818, toll-free Tel: 1-888-407-4747.