Mauritius Civil Servants Reminded: Get Permission Before Side Jobs

A government circular published on 17 August 2026 by Mauritius's Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms has sparked fresh debate across the island about a long-standing rule: public servants who want to earn money outside their government jobs must first obtain official approval. The circular, titled "Private Work for Reward," serves as a formal reminder of regulations that already exist under the Public Service rules in Mauritius. It covers three main scenarios — taking up paid private-sector work, sitting on the board of a private company, or engaging in any commercial activity — all of which require prior written authorisation from the relevant authorities before a civil servant can proceed. **Why this matters now** The circular has landed at a moment of real financial pressure for many Mauritian households. Rising fuel costs, higher electricity bills, and the climbing cost of living have pushed many workers — including those in the public sector — to seek additional income wherever they can find it. For government employees, however, this is not straightforward. The rules exist to protect the integrity of the public service: a civil servant with a private income stream could face conflicts of interest, divided loyalties, or reduced commitment to their primary role. The publication of the circular suggests that either the rule has been widely ignored, or that the ministry has received enough cases of unauthorised private work to warrant a public reminder. **What the rules actually say** Under Mauritius's public service framework, all civil servants — from administrative officers to technical staff — are bound by conduct regulations that restrict outside employment. Working privately for pay without permission is considered a disciplinary offence and can result in formal proceedings. The approval process typically involves informing one's supervising ministry or department, which assesses whether the proposed activity conflicts with official duties or government interests. **The real debate: necessity vs. duty** Critics of the strict approach argue that with public sector salaries often lagging behind private-sector equivalents, forcing civil servants to choose between financial survival and their government post is unrealistic and unfair. Many see the "second job" not as a betrayal of duty, but as a rational economic response. Defenders of the rules counter that the public service must be seen to be impartial and fully committed. A civil servant advising a ministry by day and working for a private contractor by night — potentially in the same sector — creates obvious risks of bias, information leaks, and reputational damage to government institutions. **What this means for civil servants** If you are a public servant in Mauritius and currently earn money from private work, sitting on a company board, or running a business without authorisation, you are technically in breach of civil service regulations. The August 2026 circular is a signal that the Ministry is paying attention. The prudent step is to declare any such activity and seek retroactive or prospective approval before disciplinary action is initiated. For those considering a side income, the message is clear: ask first, earn second. Source: Mauritius Times