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An Island relocation is a popular choice for those looking to leave South African shores in search of a new adventure and an improved quality of life.
With two beautiful islands just off our eastern coast, Mauritius and Seychelles, we did a deep dive into how the two compare when it comes to access for South Africans, healthcare facilities, and living costs. We also had a look at what expats are saying on forums about the negatives they were not expecting when they first moved.
How to gain residency
There are a few options to gain long-term residency in Mauritius. You can invest in either business or property. If you choose the business route, you must invest USD375,000, in business activities identified by the government. Three property schemes will also allow you access to a residency permit. Expats and foreign nationals can buy under the Property Development Scheme which includes a mix of residences available, the Integrated Resort Schemes, which covers more high-end properties and the Ground+2 Apartments Scheme, which covers apartments and villas and which will give you a 10-year Mauritian visa. Another route to residency is by finding work in Mauritius or through self-employment in the services sector. There are requirements in terms of salary earned and income generated. If you want to retire to Mauritius you must be at least 50 years old and have enough money to transfer into the country for every year of the 10-year permit.
In the Seychelles, there are four different types of permits that expats can apply for. The gainful occupation permit is for highly skilled migrants who can occupy management-level positions in Seychelles companies or who can work as self-employed individuals. The ordinary residence permit is for those who have a connection to Seychelles, whether through family or business or for those who will significantly contribute to the economy. The dependent residence permit is for spouses and children and the student residence permit is for students enrolled in full-time education in an approved school or university, who can also support themselves.
How good is healthcare?
While there are a number of public and private hospitals in Mauritius, like in South Africa, private hospitals have better facilities and can offer patients more. It is also important to note that not all complex medical procedures can be performed on the island. In cases where something complex is required, patients are normally transferred to Reunion Island or South Africa.
In the Seychelles, primary healthcare is available for free for residents. There are thirteen health centres and six hospitals offering a wide range of services from family planning, maternal planning, antenatal care, oral health, dressing, health screening, and physiotherapy. The state-run hospital in Victoria is where patients are sent for emergencies and specialised care as they have an accident and emergency department, an intensive care unit, as well as MRI And CT facilities. A number of private medical centres offering general services can also be found.
Cost of living
While Mauritius has a diversified economy and a simple, yet attractive, tax system, many residents and expats cite the cost of food, rent, and cars as high. South Africans moving to the island will feel the difference as the cost of living in Mauritius is 8% higher, according to the Expatistan cost of living calculator.
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In the Seychelles – the cost of food is also high as much many foods are imported. The average cost of living in the Seychelles (R30 000) is a whopping 86% more expensive than in South Africa (R16 000).
What negatives can I expect?
While both Mauritius and Seychelles are idyllic destinations boasting the best beaches in the world, incredible tropical climates, and some of the best resorts and tourism facilities on offer, there is another side to the islands, which tourists and visitors are not always exposed to.
In Mauritius, the most common complaints include poverty and filth in city centres, stray animals roaming narrow streets with little to no pavements, bad drivers, very poor customer service, and slow Internet service.
In Seychelles, poor animal welfare, terrible traffic, lack of pavements, a badly maintained bus service, and water pollution are cited as problems that new residents were not expecting when they first settled in the region.
Ultimately, anyone considering relocation to either island should weigh the pros and cons, considering their own needs, preferences, and ideals. While both destinations are beautiful and offer a slower pace and quality of life, there will always be an option that is better suited to you than to someone else.
