The disposal of properties by foreigners now requires prior approval

On 29 April 2021, the Non-Citizens Property Restriction Amendment Act 2021 (the Amendment Act) entered into force, which widens the ambit of the Non-Citizens Property Restriction Act 1975 (the Act). The 1975 Act provides that non-citizens (both individuals and legal entities) who wish to hold, purchase or otherwise acquire a property shall obtain prior authorisation from the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).

The Amendment Act has broadened the ambit of the 1975 Act by providing, inter alia, that a disposal of property by a non-citizen (whether to a citizen or a non-citizen of Mauritius) requires the prior approval of the PMO. The definition of the term “dispose of” includes the burdening of a property with a mortgage or charge.

• Type:

  • Entry and establishment (Access to land)

• Industry:

  • Services (Real estate activities)

• Sources:

  • Mauritius Assembly, THE NON-CITIZENS (PROPERTY RESTRICTION) (AMENDMENT) BILL, https://mauritiusassembly.govmu.org/Documents/Bills/intro/2021/bill0621.pdf, 23 Apr 2021
  • JDSupra, Changes in legislative framework regulating acquisition/disposition of properties in Mauritius by foreigners , https://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/changes-in-legislative-framework-9012896/?origin=CEG&utm_source=CEG&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=CustomEmailDigest&utm_term=jds-article&utm_content=article-link, 11 May 2021