Is Mauritius becoming South Africans’ second home?
Mauritius has become a top destination for South Africans to travel and relocate to and many are in investing in Mauritian property.
Mauritius was Flight Centre’s SA travellers’ most popular international destination in 2023.
NO VISA REQUIRED
According to Flight Centre, South African bookings to Mauritius increased by 14.53% compared to last year and it predicts that it will stay in the top spot for SA travellers next year. South Africans do not need a visa to visit the island and the average flight time from Johannesburg is 4 hours.
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EXCHANGE RATE
The current exchange rate of the Rand to the Mauritian Rupee is R1 = 2,33 Rs. According to the latest prices published by Numbeo, these are some average food item prices in Mauritius:
1 kg white rice – 94.57 Rs (= R40,42)
1 kg bananas – 80.84 Rs (=R34,55)
12 eggs – 96.31 Rs (=R41,16)
1 kg potatoes – 48.92 Rs (=R20,91)
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MOVING MONEY OUT OF SOUTH AFRICA
Severine Dalais-Pietersen, a Seeff employee, said that a popular trend among South African investors is to invest in property in Mauritius as a safer location for their money and in preparation of the possibility of having to urgently leave South Africa. Factors that make Mauritius attractive for South Africans include a similar time zone, English is the main language, and quality medical care.
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STABLE POLITICAL ENVIRONMENT
Mauritius has a stable political environment and low tax rates and these factors make it attractive for businesses to establish themselves there, according to Business Tech. The Mauritian government is focused on growing the services sector of the economy.
The business-friendly environment in Mauritius is the reason why its economic growth rate is much higher than that of South Africa where the business environment is characterised by high taxes, burdensome requirements like BEE and affirmative action, and failing infrastructure.
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