
Despite global geopolitical tensions, widespread inflation, and evolving international student policies, Mauritian students remain committed to pursuing studies abroad. This trend is reshaping student pathways rather than diminishing interest. Audrey Paris from Campus France, Christine Faugoo from IDP Education, and Dr. Dorish Chitson from Overseas Education Centre discuss current dynamics. Initial trends confirm that international mobility is not weakening. Audrey Paris states that France's popularity as a study destination remains strong, with over 443,000 international students in 2024-25, a 3% increase year-on-year, including from Mauritius. This is attributed to the quality of French higher education, diverse programs, and cultural appeal. For English-speaking destinations, the trend is positive but more varied. Christine Faugoo notes that Australia and the UK remain popular, though there is some hesitation, and departures for Canada have decreased. Dr. Dorish Chitson confirms the strong desire among young Mauritians for international experience. The current geopolitical situation, particularly in the Middle East, has had limited effects. Audrey Paris indicates it's too early to draw definitive conclusions, as application phases are ongoing. However, some adjustments are evident, with students considering destinations like Australia instead of the Middle East. Dr. Chitson adds that most of her students go to the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, or China, so
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Must ReadThe Financial Crimes Commission FCC has completed its investigation into an alleged Rs 300 million malpractice case involving the Mauritius Investment Corporation MIC and the Apavou group, forwarding its findings to the Director of Public Prosecutions DPP. The case, part of Operation Savat Dodo, centers on a 2024 financial transaction where the MIC acquired 1,596 shares of Eastcoast Hotel Investment Ltd, owner of the Ambre hotel. Three former officials, Harvesh Seegolam, former Governor of the Bank of Mauritius; Jitendra Bissessur, former CEO of MIC; and Diya Sewraz, former Company Secretary, face provisional charges of fraud by abuse of position. Investigators suspect the transaction, finalized at approximately 48 million euros around Rs 2.4 billion, involved an inflated valuation compared to an initial estimate of Rs 2.1 billion. This Rs 300 million discrepancy allegedly provided a substantial financial advantage to Eastcoast Hotel Investment Ltd. The FCC's Acting Chief Investigator, Purgauss, informed the Port Louis court that the investigation was complete and referred to the DPP on June 8. The DPP will now decide on formal proceedings. The case has been adjourned until October 21, 2026.
Must ReadMauritius and the Eastern and Southern Africa ESA states have concluded negotiations with the European Union to transform their existing Economic Partnership Agreement EPA into a modern and comprehensive free trade agreement. This new agreement, described as historic by the parties, significantly evolves trade relations between Europe and the small island states of the Indian Ocean. It is the first ambitious free trade agreement by the European Union with a group of sub-Saharan African countries that extends beyond trade in goods to include services, investment, digital trade, intellectual property, and economic cooperation. The agreement was signed by Comorian Minister of Economy and Economic Integration Moustoifa Hassani Mohamed, Malagasy Minister of Commerce Haingotiana Michela Angèle Andriamadison, Seychellois Minister of Transport Veronique Laporte, Mauritian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade Ritesh Ramful, and European Union Ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles Oskar Benedikt, representing European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič. Zimbabwe, also an ESA member, is expected to join later. The parties hailed the agreement as "comprehensive, forward-looking and mutually beneficial," aiming to strengthen trade, improve supply chain resilience, and support sustainable development goals. For Mauritius, the EU remains a key trading partner and a significant source of investment, technology, and development cooperation. Minister Ra
Must ReadUK Prime Minister Keir Starmer is under increased pressure following a series of resignations at the Ministry of Defense on Thursday, including that of Minister John Healey. Healey criticized the insufficient resources allocated to the armed forces amid rising security threats. Downing Street announced the appointment of Dan Jarvis, a former army officer and former Secretary of State for Security at the Home Office, as the new Defense Minister. The government has delayed the publication of its defense investment plan, originally set for late 2025, due to difficult budgetary decisions. John Healey, dissatisfied with the final allocations, announced his departure, followed by Secretary of State for the Armed Forces Al Carns and MP Pamela Nash. In his resignation letter to Keir Starmer, Healey stated that the government and Treasury had failed to mobilize necessary resources to defend the country. Starmer responded by assuring that he would "always do what is necessary to ensure the security" of the UK. These resignations are a setback for the Labour Prime Minister, who has faced political fragility and internal dissent for months, and come a week before a crucial by-election. They also place him in a delicate international position ahead of a G7 summit, with conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine, and less than a month before the next NATO summit on July 7-8, which will be attended by Donald Trump. Starmer emphasized that his government is implementing the largest sustained i