The Mauritian Cabinet met recently to discuss several key issues, including a telephone conversation between the Prime Minister and his UK counterpart, Andy Burnham, regarding the Chagos Archipelago. The UK Prime Minister assured his Mauritian counterpart of his commitment to working with Mauritius and the United States for the ratification of the Agreement on the Chagos Archipelago, signed on May 22, 2025. This agreement aims to resolve the longstanding dispute over the archipelago.
During the meeting with the US President on September 22, 2026, the UK Prime Minister expressed his commitment to seeking a resolution to the satisfaction of all parties. The US President reiterated his opposition to the Agreement on the Chagos Archipelago. According to the British authorities, the sovereignty of Mauritius over the Chagos Archipelago is undisputed under international law, citing the Advisory Opinion of the International Court of Justice of February 25, 2019, and subsequent judgments.
The Mauritian Cabinet also discussed the signing of a Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with the Czech Republic. The DTAA aims to clarify taxing rights, provide certainty to investors, and establish a framework for exchanging information between tax authorities to combat tax evasion. The agreement is expected to promote greater cross-border investment flows between the two countries and provide preferential rates on dividends, interest, and royalties.
In addition to these issues, the Cabinet agreed to the promulgation of the Local Government (Building and Land Use Permit Fees) Regulations 2026. These regulations will harmonize Building and Land Use Permit Fees across all Local Authorities and introduce a new category for Renewable Energy, effective October 1, 2026. This move aims to streamline and standardize permit fees nationwide.
The Cabinet also took note of the outcome of the first Proliferation Financing National Risk Assessment (PF NRA) carried out in Mauritius. The assessment identified and evaluated the risks of proliferation financing in the country, concluding that the overall national risk is medium. The government recognized threats from UN Security Council-designated persons and entities, as well as indirect threats from ship-to-ship transfers and trade with high-risk jurisdictions.
Furthermore, the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the Implementation of the Government Programme 2025-2029 reviewed progress on measures related to the Ministry of Health and Wellness and drug control. The Committee noted significant progress in implementing measures, including the publication of regular cancer statistics and the registration of over 150,000 patients on the E-Health system. A national drug prevention and awareness campaign is planned for October 2026.
Finally, the Cabinet agreed to Mauritius supporting the adoption of the Nairobi Convention's Regional Strategy on Plastic Pollution and Associated Chemicals in the Western Indian Ocean, 2027-2037. The strategy will be discussed and adopted at the 12th Meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP12) to the Nairobi Convention in Tanzania. The strategy focuses on preventing and reducing plastic pollution, transforming plastic product design, and promoting circular alternatives.
Key points
- The Mauritian Cabinet reviews recent developments on the Chagos Archipelago and discusses a new Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement with the Czech Republic.
- The Cabinet agrees to regulations harmonizing Building and Land Use Permit Fees and supports the adoption of a regional strategy on plastic pollution.
- The government notes progress on implementing measures related to health and wellness and drug control, and agrees to a national drug prevention and awareness campaign.
