Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Section 20 of the Immigration Act, provides that an Immigration Officer may admit to Mauritius a tourist, a businessman or any other visitor, and such persons shall be issued with a visa specifying the conditions thereof and the authorised period of stay in Mauritius. Regulation 25 of the Passport Regulations 1968 requires every non-citizen entering Mauritius to meet the following immigration requirements – (a) a passport which is valid beyond the intended period of stay; (b) a valid return passage ticket to travel back to his or her country of origin or residence; (c) should be eligible to re-enter his or her country of origin or residence; (d) adequate funds to meet the cost of his stay; (e) have confirmed hotel booking or sponsorship for accommodation; (f) not engage in any gainful activity, and (g) not be a prohibited immigrant. Any non-citizen who fails to meet any of the immigration requirement is not admitted to Mauritius, irrespective of his nationality. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, Mauritius has a very liberal visa regime up to now. In 2026, Mauritius has been ranked 10th out of 199 countries by the Henley Openness Index, which is a global ranking that measures the number of nationalities that a country allows entry without a prior visa. This, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, is no longer acceptable because the risks are much higher today. The latest example is what happened in Monaco just yesterday. This is why we are readdressing this issue. While most of the foreigners obtain visas on arrival, nationals of some countries are required to apply and obtain a visa before entering Mauritius. Section 12 of the Passports Act provides for the Minister to prescribe countries, the nationals of which should obtain a visa before entering Mauritius. Presently, there are 15 countries which fall under this category and these countries are listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Passport Regulations. The countries in the Eleventh Schedule of the Passport Regulations are prescribed after due consideration of several factors, including but not limited, to the following – (a) security concerns, (b) international relations; (c) immigration policy, and (d) risk of abuse of visa. According to the guidelines issued by the Passport and Immigration Office, nationals from these countries have to apply for visa at least one month before the intended date of travel. Subject to all documents being in order, the PIO takes around 12 working days to determine the applications for the visa. I must point out, Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, that nationals from the listed countries are free to come to Mauritius and is visa free for them too. Over and above the immigration requirements, the Passport and Immigration Office carries out additional security checks. Mr Deputy Speaker, Sir, as I announced in the Budget Speech 2026-2027 a new digital system will be introduced to enable all non-citizens from all countries, without distinction, to apply and obtain an e-visa. The e-visa will reduce the risk of mala fide persons entering Mauritius and will also reduce queues at arrival at the airport. My Office is already working on that project.

Okay. PQ B/912 will be replied by the hon. Minister of Arts and Culture. So, hon. Second Member for Grand Baie and Poudre d'Or! AIR MAURITIUS LTD – AIRCRAFTS SOLD, PURCHASED & HIRED