The Minister of Finance is expected to deliver his annual Budget Speech this afternoon of 7 June 2022. This exercise is a national hobby and will slow down the island life for anything about 2 or 3 hours. I remember my dad silencing almost the whole village and sitting down with his notebook. This is a life changing thing, broadcasted on national TV and all radio stations. The seriousness is enhanced by the usual bunch of experts on each media set; translating, analyzing and commenting (in a deep toned voice) every word uttered by the Minister. For some years now, we even have a fashion police that decrypts the dress of people entering the Parliament House for this utterly sacred ceremony.

Many Mauritians are experts in prediction and pre-event analysis. Take any subject you want : finance, politics, sports… anything. Many can even deliver the Speech before the Minister does ! This is the colorful tradition of the island, we love talking and mostly predict things so we can say we were first to say it. Nothing bad in it if not taken seriously. It is so enjoyable to meet those who made right predictions and smile at those who, desperately, try to explain why their predictions went wrong. In any case, you have it right, the island will have its cardiac rhythm slowed down for some hours today. Shall I say a total eclipse of the heart !

In the current context, we are all curious to see what the Honorable Dr Padayatchy will announce. We are navigating trouble waters and there are two ways to consider things : we keep rowing for now without drastically changing anything or we take the plunge into a make or break situation. I would rather go for the first option. Sorry, I’m sliding into the prediction game.

What expatriates or non-Mauritians have to look out for : possible changes in expatriation / immigration rules, changes to personal and business tax rules, business related regulations and similar amendments.

We will, of course, provide our readers with the major highlights and list all measures that are likely to affect our life, personal or business.

In meantime, do yourselves a favor : buy some snacks and drinks. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy the show.

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