The Mauritian government has announced that it will not establish a centralized redeployment cell for public servants, despite a recommendation from the Pay Research Bureau (PRB) in its 2026 report. The cell would have been responsible for coordinating the redeployment of public servants in cases of restructuring, closure of services, or creation of new public institutions. Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Raj Pentiah, explained that no government department restructuring has required redeployment in the past two years.
Raj Pentiah stated that the PRB's recommended Centralised Redeployment Cell would be placed under the Human Resource Development Division of his ministry. However, he believes that creating such a cell is not justified at this time. The minister also mentioned that public sector reforms may include redeployment provisions, pending advice from the Attorney General's Office. In response to a question from opposition MP Joe Lesjongard, Pentiah agreed to provide a list of redeployed employees, including their old and new positions and qualifications.
The government has made significant recruitment efforts in the public sector. Over 4,000 people were recruited in the 2024-2025 financial year, at a total cost of Rs 1.335 billion in salaries and benefits. For the 2025-2026 financial year, 2,033 positions were to be filled, with 1,374 already filled, representing a cost of Rs 473 million. Additional recruitment is ongoing for positions such as Management Support Officers, trainee nurses, police officers, and Trainee Education Officers.
Raj Pentiah acknowledged that there were excess staff in several categories before November 2024 but emphasized that the government took a humanitarian approach, avoiding layoffs. An audit of human resources was conducted to redeploy employees and optimize their utilization. In response to a question from Rodrigues MP Francisco François, Pentiah explained that transferring public servants from the Mauritian administration to the Rodrigues Regional Assembly is complicated due to different frameworks and benefits.
The Mauritian government has faced scrutiny over its recruitment practices. Pentiah stated that future recruitment will depend on ministry needs, government priorities, and available budget resources. A meeting with Rodrigues Regional Assembly representatives is scheduled to discuss difficulties faced by public servants seeking transfers. The National Environment Cleaning Authority and the Vallée d'Osterlog Endemic Garden Foundation have undergone restructuring, with employee transfers governed by specific legal provisions.
These provisions ensure continuity of service, maintenance of employment conditions, and acquired benefits. Redeployed employees can also apply for other positions in the public sector. The Public Sector Reform Bill may include redeployment provisions, following advice from the Attorney General's Office. The bill aims to improve public sector efficiency and governance.
The Mauritian government is taking steps to optimize its public sector workforce. With over 4,000 new recruits in the past year, the government is focused on ensuring that its workforce is aligned with its priorities. A balance between recruitment and redeployment will be crucial in the coming years.
Key points
- The Mauritian government has rejected the Pay Research Bureau's recommendation for a centralized redeployment cell for public servants.
- Over 4,000 people were recruited in the public sector in the 2024-2025 financial year.
- The Public Sector Reform Bill may include provisions for redeployment, pending advice from the Attorney General's Office.
