Govt Funds Aid for Families of Three Bangladeshi Workers Killed
Cabinet approved financial support via two state funds for families of three Bangladeshi workers who died in a workplace accident at Plaine-des-Papayes on 4 November.
The Mauritian government has approved financial assistance for the families of three Bangladeshi workers who lost their lives in a workplace accident at Plaine-des-Papayes on 4 November 2024. Cabinet gave the green light on 6 November, authorising support through two state mechanisms: the National Solidarity Fund and the Prime Minister's Relief Fund.
The three victims were employed by a company specialising in aluminium work. Few other details about the circumstances of the accident have been made public, but two separate investigations are now under way to establish exactly what happened.
The National Occupational Safety and Health Department (OSHD), which operates under the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations, has opened an inquiry to determine whether the legal requirements for workplace health and safety were properly observed at the time of the incident. The Plaine-des-Papayes police have also launched a parallel criminal investigation into the deaths.
Plaine-des-Papayes is a locality in the north of Mauritius, in the Riviere du Rempart district.
The National Solidarity Fund is a government-run body that provides emergency financial relief to vulnerable individuals and families facing hardship. The Prime Minister's Relief Fund serves a similar purpose, offering direct assistance in cases of distress or tragedy. Both are commonly activated following accidents, natural disasters or other crises affecting residents in Mauritius, including foreign workers.
Mauritius relies heavily on migrant labour, particularly from Bangladesh, India, Madagascar and other countries, to fill roles in manufacturing, construction and agriculture. Foreign workers employed on the island are entitled to protections under Mauritian occupational safety law, and employers are required to meet national health and safety standards regardless of a worker's nationality.
What this means: The government's swift approval of aid signals an acknowledgement of responsibility toward foreign workers on Mauritian soil. However, the dual investigations, one by the OSHD and one by police, will determine whether negligence or legal breaches played a role in the deaths. The outcomes could have implications for the employer, for workplace safety enforcement more broadly, and for how Mauritius manages the welfare of its growing migrant workforce.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What support is the Mauritius government giving to the families of the workers who died?β
The Cabinet approved financial assistance through the National Solidarity Fund and the Prime Minister's Relief Fund, two state bodies in Mauritius that provide emergency relief to individuals and families facing hardship or tragedy.
Who is investigating the workplace accident at Plaine-des-Papayes?β
Two investigations are running in parallel. The National Occupational Safety and Health Department, under the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations, is examining whether safety laws were followed. The Plaine-des-Papayes police are conducting a separate criminal investigation.
Are foreign workers in Mauritius covered by workplace safety laws?β
Yes. Mauritius applies its occupational health and safety legislation to all workers on the island regardless of nationality. Employers are legally required to meet national safety standards for both local and migrant employees.
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