Mauritius Civil Service: Ministry Sets Out Rules on Private Work
After a public row over civil servants doing private jobs during office hours, Mauritius's civil service ministry has clarified what is and isn't allowed.
By MauritiusNews Editorialabout 1 hour agoπ 0 views
The Mauritius Ministry of Civil Service has stepped in to clarify the rules governing private activities by public servants, following a controversy that sparked widespread public debate about conduct within the civil service.
The move comes after recent allegations that some government employees were carrying out private, paid work during official working hours β a claim that drew sharp reactions from unions, opposition figures, and the public alike.
**What are the rules for civil servants in Mauritius?**
Under the Public Service Commission (PSC) regulations and the General Orders that govern the Mauritian civil service, public officers are generally prohibited from engaging in private employment or business activities that conflict with their official duties, without prior authorisation from their ministry or department.
This includes running a business, freelancing, or holding a paid position in the private sector while on the government payroll. Civil servants are expected to dedicate their contracted working hours exclusively to their public duties.
However, not all outside activities are banned outright. Officers may, in certain circumstances, obtain permission to carry out limited private work β provided it does not interfere with their official responsibilities, create a conflict of interest, or bring the civil service into disrepute.
**What triggered the clarification?**
The ministry's statement follows public comments suggesting that staff in some government departments had been conducting private business β including commercial or consultancy work β while on duty. The allegations raised questions about accountability, productivity, and the use of public resources.
The controversy put pressure on authorities to restate the boundaries clearly, both to reassure the public and to remind civil servants of their obligations.
**What the ministry is saying now**
The ministry's clarification reaffirms that any private activity undertaken by a civil servant must be declared and approved through the proper channels. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary proceedings, which may range from a formal warning to dismissal, depending on the severity of the breach.
The ministry also signalled that supervisors and heads of department have a responsibility to monitor compliance β placing accountability not just on individual officers but on management structures across the public sector.
**What this means**
For the roughly 80,000 people employed in Mauritius's civil service, this is a reminder that moonlighting without permission is a disciplinary offence. For the public, the clarification is an attempt to restore confidence in the impartiality and productivity of government employees.
The episode also highlights a broader tension in public administration: civil servants in Mauritius are often among the better-paid workers in the formal economy, yet pressure to supplement incomes through private work remains a persistent issue β particularly at lower pay grades.
Whether the ministry's statement translates into firmer enforcement, or remains a clarification on paper, is likely to be watched closely by trade unions and opposition parties in the months ahead.
Source: Le Defi Media
Can civil servants in Mauritius do private work or run a business?β
Civil servants in Mauritius are generally not allowed to engage in private employment or business activities during working hours without prior authorisation. Under General Orders and Public Service Commission regulations, any outside paid activity must be declared and approved by the relevant ministry or department. Unauthorised private work can result in disciplinary action, including dismissal.
What happens if a Mauritian civil servant is caught doing private work on government time?β
A civil servant found conducting unauthorised private activities during official hours can face disciplinary proceedings under the Public Service Commission's regulations. Penalties range from a formal warning to termination of employment, depending on the nature and severity of the breach. Heads of department are also expected to be held accountable for monitoring compliance within their teams.
How many people work in the Mauritius civil service?β
Mauritius employs approximately 80,000 people across its civil and public service, making the government one of the largest employers on the island. This figure includes staff across ministries, government departments, and statutory bodies.
