Madam Speaker, with regard to part (a) of the question, the aggregate number of work permits and certificates of exemption, including renewals in respect of economic sectors and skills categories issued by the ministry, is as follows – • May to October 2024 – 15,940; • May to October 2023 – 14,885; • May to October 2022 – 17,898; • May to October 2021 – 12,670; • May to October 2020 – 5,139; • May to October 2019 – 14,111. Madam Speaker, a breakdown of this information being quite bulky, is being tabled.

89 The bulk of the migrant workers, more than 80%, relate to the manufacturing sector and the construction sector. Madam Speaker, as regards part (b), I am informed by the Passport and Immigration Office that there are currently 2,285 migrant workers illegally overstaying in Mauritius whose permits have expired. In addition, there are 2,542 migrant workers who have been reported missing. Madam Speaker, it is a criminal offence under the Non-Citizens (Employment Restriction) Act for a non-citizen to take up employment without a valid work permit, and it is equally an offence for a person to employ a non-citizen without a valid work permit. Both offences are punishable by a fine between Rs100,000 and Rs500,000 and a term of imprisonment not exceeding 5 years. Madam Speaker, once a work permit of a non-citizen expires, the employer either has to repatriate the worker or has to renew the work permit and pay the claim. Unfortunately, many enterprises fail to do so. This explains the number of migrant workers who are overstaying. Non-complying companies, Madam Speaker, have been given a delay by my ministry to comply with the positions of the Non-Citizens (Employment Restriction) Act or to repatriate the worker. Until they do so, my ministry has decided not to entertain any new applications for recruitment of migrant workers from these companies.

Yes! That’s alright! Hon. Third Member for Grand' Baie and Poudre d'Or, Mr Etwareea! FISHING PERMITS DISTRIBUTION – 2024 GENERAL ELECTIONS EVE