Budget 2026: Foreign Students Can Work 30hrs

In a significant policy shift announced as part of the 2026-2027 Budget, foreign students studying in Mauritius will now be permitted to work up to 30 hours per week during vacation periods. The measure signals a broader government effort to position Mauritius as a more attractive destination for international students, while also addressing labour market needs in key sectors. Previously, foreign students faced strict restrictions on employment, limiting their ability to gain work experience or supplement their income while studying on the island. The new provision brings Mauritius more in line with international standards adopted by countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where student work rights are considered a core part of the study-abroad value proposition. The move is expected to benefit universities, private colleges, and vocational training institutions that recruit internationally, giving them a stronger selling point when competing for students from Africa, Asia, and beyond. For students, the opportunity to earn income legally during holidays could ease the financial burden of studying abroad and encourage longer stays on the island. From an economic standpoint, the measure could provide a flexible, skilled workforce during peak seasons — particularly relevant for the tourism and hospitality industries, which traditionally experience high demand during school holiday periods. Employers in retail, technology, and services may also benefit from access to a motivated, educated pool of temporary workers. However, analysts and labour advocates will likely call for clear enforcement mechanisms to ensure the 30-hour cap is respected and that foreign students are not exploited or used to undercut local workers. Transparent guidelines on eligible sectors, minimum wage compliance, and student visa conditions will be essential to making this policy work fairly in practice. The budget measure reflects a growing recognition that education and economic policy must work hand in hand if Mauritius is to fulfil its ambition of becoming a regional education hub. With the right safeguards, this initiative could strengthen both the island's academic reputation and its broader economic resilience.