Three Ghanaian Children Caught Stowaways on Cargo Ship in Mauritius Port
Boys aged 11, 13 and 15 were intercepted at Port Louis harbour on 12 October after hiding aboard the MV Sea Prajna, facing charges under Mauritius immigration law.
Three Ghanaian boys β aged 11, 13 and 15 β were caught hiding aboard a cargo vessel at Port Louis harbour on Monday 12 October, in a case that has raised serious questions about child trafficking and clandestine migration routes to Mauritius.
The trio were intercepted at around 1pm as they disembarked from the MV Sea Prajna, a cargo ship that had docked in the port. Officers from the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO), the Mauritian authority responsible for border control and immigration enforcement, spotted the boys and stopped them before they could leave the port area.
All three were taken into the care of immigration services. They now face charges as prohibited immigrants under Sections 5(1)(b) and 5(1)(e) of Mauritius's Immigration Act 2022 β provisions that apply to individuals who enter or attempt to enter the country without authorisation.
Despite what is likely to have been a long and difficult journey, the boys were reported to be in generally good health with no visible signs of violence. The youngest, however, had a bandaged left ring finger and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.
Police have opened an investigation and are working to establish several key facts: the exact port from which the ship departed, how long the boys were on board, why they made the crossing, and whether any third parties helped them gain access to the vessel. The involvement of people smugglers or trafficking networks has not been ruled out.
The three minors are currently under police supervision and are expected to appear before a court while authorities arrange their repatriation to Ghana.
What this means: Mauritius, as an island nation with a significant port hub at Port Louis, is not immune to clandestine migration attempts, though cases involving unaccompanied minors of this age are rare and serious. Under Mauritian law, even children can be charged as prohibited immigrants, though their status as minors and the circumstances of their journey will likely be central to how the case is handled by the courts. The investigation into potential outside assistance is standard procedure and reflects concern that children this young are unlikely to have organised such a crossing alone. Their welfare and eventual repatriation will fall under the oversight of both immigration authorities and child protection services.
Source: ION News
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to stowaways caught in Mauritius?β
Under the Immigration Act 2022, stowaways can be charged as prohibited immigrants under Sections 5(1)(b) and 5(1)(e). They are taken into immigration custody, required to appear before a court, and typically face repatriation to their country of origin. In cases involving minors, child welfare services are also involved alongside the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO).
What is the Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) in Mauritius?β
The Passport and Immigration Office (PIO) is the Mauritian government body responsible for border control, issuing travel documents, and enforcing immigration laws. Its officers are stationed at entry points including Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam International Airport and Port Louis harbour, where they intercept unauthorised arrivals.
Where is the main port in Mauritius?β
Mauritius's main commercial port is located in Port Louis, the capital city, on the northwest coast of the island. It is one of the busiest ports in the Indian Ocean region, handling cargo ships from across the world, including vessels arriving from West Africa.
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