Mauritius Plans Elite SMF Beach Patrols Following Warnings For 1.4 Million Visitors

Elite Special Mobile Force (SMF) officers could soon be deployed in plainclothes across Mauritius’s busiest beaches as the government moves to counter rising security concerns and international travel warnings.

Tourism Minister Richard Duval announced the proposed security measures on Monday, 12 January, following recent travel advisories issued by the United States and Canada.

Both Western nations have urged their citizens to exercise increased vigilance on the island due to risks of opportunistic crime.

Discretion and Deterrence

Speaking from his office, Minister Duval confirmed he is seeking immediate discussions with the Prime Minister to finalise the deployment.

He emphasised that the island possesses the necessary personnel to provide a “discreet yet deterrent” presence.

“I will speak with the Prime Minister to put this in place soon,” Duval stated. “We have the necessary manpower.”

The move marks a significant shift in strategy, aiming to bolster visitor safety without the intrusive presence of uniformed patrols in holiday hotspots.

Statistical Context

Despite the international warnings, Foreign Affairs Minister Ritesh Ramful has downplayed the severity of the threat.

Citing official police data, Ramful noted that out of 1.4 million tourists who visited the island last year, only 33 cases of theft or assault were recorded.

Minister Ramful further pointed out that:

• European nations, which provide the bulk of the island’s visitors, have not issued similar warnings.
• Official statistics suggest the risk remains statistically low.
• The SMF proposal is viewed as a proactive measure to enhance the island’s reputation.

Economic Outlook

The security debate comes as the Ministry of Tourism reviewed its annual performance.

While the Minister hailed the year’s arrival figures, the government remains sensitive to the potential impact of foreign advisories on the tourism sector, a vital pillar of the Mauritian economy.

Minister Ramful added that the deployment of plainclothes officers would likely “improve visitor security and reinforce Mauritius’s image as a safe and attractive destination.”

Source: l’Express