6th July Protest: Mauritians March Against Foreign Labour Invasion

Ashok Subron, a prominent trade union leader from the General Workers Federation (GWF), is refusing to back down in the face of the government’s decision to allow certain economic sectors to hire 100% foreign labor.

Subron announced that a protest will take place in the streets of Port Louis on July 6, starting from St. Louis Cathedral.

The event is expected to be supported by his counterparts from the Joint Negotiating Panel (JNP) and the Private Sector Union (PSU).

The government has abolished the quota for foreign workers in certain industries, including the free port, ICT-BPO, jewelry, and manufacturing sectors, allowing these companies to hire only foreign workers.

“This is a recipe for disaster,” Subron said during a press conference on Friday. “It’s like opening the floodgates for the recruitment of professionals such as doctors, architects, and engineers.”

According to the budget, the salary ceiling for foreign professionals will increase to Rs 22,500, which is roughly the same salary earned by a Malagasy doctor.

Subron questioned the point of sending local children to university if they are not going to get decent jobs after graduation.

“What’s the use of sending our children to university when we’re going to have foreigners taking over our jobs?” he asked.

The recruitment of large numbers of migrant workers in the agricultural sector was also discussed during the press conference.

Subron added that the planned protest on July 6 will provide an opportunity for workers in these sectors to express their discontent with these unfair measures that threaten to plunge thousands of families into poverty.

Subron urged local workers to turn out in large numbers at Port-Louis on July 6, warning that it would be too late if they don’t act now.

Another measure criticized by Subron is the government’s decision to allow retired foreign workers who are living in Integrated Resort Scheme, Real Estate Scheme, or other Property Development Scheme properties to work and compete with Mauritian citizens.

Source: Le Mauricien