Section 4: Work permits

4. Work permits (1) An application for a permit shall be made in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry and shall be addressed to the Minister who may, in his absolute discretion, grant or refuse it. (1A) The guidelines referred to in subsection (1) shall be available for consultation at the Ministry and shall be posted on the website of the Ministry. (2) (a) Where the Minister grants an application for a permit, he shall issue the permit within 2 weeks of the effective date of the application for the permit and subject to such conditions as may be specified in the permit. (b) For the purpose of paragraph (a)— “effective date of the application” means the date by which all the documents and information specified in the application form are submitted. (3) (a) This section shall not apply— (i) to the holder of an occupation permit issued under the Immigration Act; or (ii) to a non-citizen coming to serve in Government to service the public sector within the SERVICE TO MAURITIUS PROGRAMME for a period not exceeding 3 years and who is registered with the Board of Investment under the Investment Promotion Act. (4) A permit shall be in such form as the Minister may approve and different forms may be approved in respect of different classes of persons or as the circumstances require. (5) The Minister may, in writing, vary or cancel a permit. [S. 4 amended by s. 21 (b) of Act 20 of 2002 w.e.f. 1 September 2002; s. 5 of Act 29 of 2004 w.e.f. 1 December 2004; s. 8 (b) of Act 21 of 2006 w.e.f. 1 October 2006; s. 24 of Act 18 of 2008 w.e.f. 19 July 2008; s. 19 (b) of 26 of 2012 w.e.f. 22 December 2012.]