Africa-Press – Mauritius. Minister of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment, Reza Uteem, highlighted his ministry’s crucial role in Mauritius’ economic development. He emphasized measures taken to accommodate foreign workers, aiming to remove Mauritius from the US blacklist.
The increasing number of company requests for foreign workers, he stated, reflects a positive economic outlook. Concerning the upcoming budget, Minister Uteem acknowledged the significant challenge facing Prime Minister and Finance Minister Navin Ramgoolam: balancing the budget while supporting economic growth.
He stressed that a Moody’s downgrade would be catastrophic for Mauritius’ economy and financial sector. Reflecting on his transition from opposition spokesperson for financial matters to his current ministerial role, Uteem described the shift from private to public sector as the greatest challenge, emphasizing the need to consider the broader public interest.
Uteem detailed his ministry’s efforts to improve the system for recruiting foreign workers, addressing past inconsistencies and a perceived double standard.
Reforms included digitizing the job application process, pending budget allocation for necessary software. He also highlighted progress in addressing illegal workers, with over 3,000 having left the country, and the regularization of many others.
Stricter measures against employers hiring undocumented workers were also implemented, alongside agreements with India for worker recruitment through official channels to eliminate exploitation.
The minister addressed concerns regarding the treatment of Mauritian workers, acknowledging ongoing complaints about unpaid wages and poor working conditions.
He called for a shift in employer mentality, urging them to view employees not merely as costs but as partners contributing to the company’s success. Initiatives to improve worker rights and working conditions, including potential worker representation on company boards, are being explored.
Looking at the broader economic picture, Uteem linked his ministry’s work directly to economic growth, emphasizing the importance of efficient industrial relations and a proactive approach to managing foreign worker recruitment.
He acknowledged the difficult task of balancing the budget, while also highlighting the government’s strategies for attracting foreign investment and revitalizing key sectors such as agro-industry, port activities, the blue economy, and the financial sector.
He also discussed the importance of improving Air Mauritius and the historical significance of the agreement reached with the UK regarding Diego Garcia, while downplaying recent political tensions within the governing coalition.
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