Madam Speaker, I am informed by the Economic Development Board that the Mauritian Diaspora Scheme, which was established in 2015, has attracted some 614 members of the Mauritian diaspora to return to the country. In addition, I am informed that there have been instances of abuse in the availing of the benefits under the Scheme. As announced in the 2025-2026 Budget Speech, we are reviewing the scheme to enhance its effectiveness and making it less restrictive in facilitating the return of our valuable Mauritian diaspora members, including highly skilled professionals, while at the same time addressing the loopholes which have allowed the abuses of the scheme. The Economic Development Board is in the process of finalising the new Scheme which will be implemented shortly. I must remind the House, Madam Speaker, that we have announced in our Government Programme of 2025-2029 the formulation of a Diaspora Policy to better engage our diaspora in the development of our country. There are encouraging signs that highly qualified members of our diaspora are coming back to serve the country. I explained, I think I did say on a few occasions that we now have members of the diaspora serving as the Governor of the Bank of Mauritius, as the CEO of the Mauritius Telecom, at the State Bank of Mauritius and also recently, at the Forensic Science Laboratory. It is important that we strengthen our engagement with them and put in place the right framework to make the most of their contributions, especially in areas such as investment, skills and knowledge, remittances as well as cultural and social ties. In this context, with the assistance of the International Organisation for Migration, the services of a consultant have been enlisted for the development of a National Diaspora Policy and Action Plan. The consultant has already submitted a first Report. A draft National Diaspora Policy, with a governance structure for the Diaspora and Global Advisory Council, has also been prepared. The report of the consultant is being validated by the International Organisation for Migration in consultation with all stakeholders. Our objective, Madam Speaker, is not only to encourage the Mauritian diaspora to return to the country but also to participate in the national development regardless of location or distance from Mauritius.

Very interesting! Yes, good! Now, the Table has been advised that several PQs have been withdrawn: B/82, B/85, B/88, B/90, B/93, B/94, B/95, and B/97. Thank you. I think we can stop here and we will start in one and a half hour with questions addressed to hon. Ministers. Is that alright? Thank you. At 12.51 p.m., the Sitting was suspended. On resuming at 2.30 p.m., with Madam Speaker in the Chair.

You may be seated. Hon. Members, we now have questions addressed to hon. Ministers. We have two hours to go. The Table has been advised that PQ B/141 will be replied by the hon. Minister of National Infrastructure. He is not here for the moment. Hon. Third Member for Port-Louis South and Port-Louis Central. PUBLIC HEALTH INSTITUTIONS – STAFF SHORTAGE – RECRUITMENT & NEW INCENTIVES