Mauritius

On the day of your journey, make sure to carry your: • Travel tickets • Passport (valid for a minimum period of six months) • A valid work permit • Original employment contract from foreign employer duly attested by the Indian Mission or Permission letter from the concerned Indian Mission/Post. • Medical certificate, copy of the medical test and receipt from the test centre. • Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana policy document. • Education & experience certificate, if applicable. • ID documents & a copy – including your Aadhar card, marriage certificate (if married), etc. • Keep a directory of important phone numbers.

Managing your finances in Mauritius is essential, especially if you support a family in India. Here are a few ways to do so: • Open an NRE Account • Indians working abroad can open an NRE account in India to manage money, send funds from overseas, earn interest, and enjoy tax exemptions. • Learn Online Banking • Manage your finances abroad with online banking. Check balances, transfer funds, and pay bills securely. Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication, and avoid public Wi-Fi to protect against scams. • Set Financial Goals • One of the first steps to managing money is to set short term and long term financial goals. If you have a family depending on you, then its important to keep them informed of your financial goals as well. • Keep a Track of Your Expenses and Savings • Higher income often leads to lifestyle inflation. Save a portion of your salary immediately and keep an expense sheet to track and identify spending patterns. • Have an Emergency Fund and Investment • Set aside a small part of your salary each month for unforeseen events, keeping it separate from your savings.

After arrival, register yourself on HCI website (https://hcimauritius.gov.in/RegIndNational)(https://hcimauritius.gov.in/RegIndNational). In case of an unfortunate event or distress, the consulate is responsible for providing you shelter, legal assistance and repatriation. You can also reach out to them in case of visa & passport related services, birth and death registration, and Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) application. To contact the Indian consulate in Mauritius, call (+230) 460 6600.

You or your employer can open a bank account in Mauritius, whether with an Indian bank like SBI or BOB, or a Mauritian bank, for managing expenses and saving money. You will need a valid passport, residence permit, proof of address, and a reference letter from your home bank to open an account in Mauritius. You can go for savings, current, fixed deposit, and foreign currency accounts. Also, familiarize yourself with exchange rates and associated fees for currency conversion when transferring funds to or from India.

To safely transfer money to your family from Mauritius, use formal remittance channels like banks or licensed providers such as Western Union or MoneyGram. Compare exchange rates and fees among different providers to find the most suitable option for yourself. Many banks and remittance providers offer online and mobile platforms for convenience. However, before using these platforms, check online reviews and customer feedback to gauge their reliability.

Medical treatment is free in Mauritian Public Health Institutions. For urgent medical assistance, dial 999 or 114 and request an ambulance. Seek recommendations for a General Practitioner or doctor from members of the Indian migrant community. Pharmacies operate from 8am to 5pm on weekdays, closing at 2pm on Saturdays and remaining closed on Sundays. Private healthcare in Mauritius, including hospitals like the Darne Clinic and the Apollo Bramwell Hospital, is among Africa's most expensive. While costly, private hospitals offer extensive services and superior facilities.

It can be a little challenging to keep in touch with your family. To ensure that your family can always reach out to you, you can follow the following practices. • Share your employer’s number with your family before you leave for the country. Also, ensure that you note down the numbers of all your family members too. • As soon as you get a Mauritian SIM, make sure to share the number with your family. • Social media channels like WhatsApp and Facebook make it easier to keep in touch with your family.

Mental health often takes a backseat when it you move to a new country. Prioritizing mental health is the first step towards a healthy mind. Here are a few things you can do to maintain your mental health. • Allow yourself time to adjust to the new environment, people, and work. • Stay connected with family and friends back home. • Acknowledge and address your emotions rather than suppressing them. • Adopt a problem-solving approach rather than dwelling on issues. • Engage in recreational activities for relaxation and rejuvenation. • Seek support from mental health professionals like counselors or psychologists without stigma, understanding that it's okay to seek help for a happier life.