| According to Dr John Murton, the relationship | | | | an open and expanding global economy, science and |
| between the UK and Mauritius is cordial and they | | | | innovation and secure energy supplies; |
| have very strong links. Many of the people here | | | | 6) Achieving climate security by promoting a faster |
| even have cultural links. There's equally a historic link | | | | transition to a sustainable, low carbon global |
| valued by people from all walks of life. Most of the | | | | economy; |
| ministers Dr John Murton met have had the benefit | | | | 7) Promoting sustainable development and poverty |
| of education in the UK at some point in their career. | | | | reduction underpinned by human right, democracy, |
| And this great." Many of the things happening in | | | | good governance and protection of the environment; |
| Mauritius Island, he thinks, are influenced by British | | | | 8) Managing migration and combating illegal |
| Educational thought; so also are, in some ways, many | | | | immigration; |
| of the political, social, cultural, economic and other | | | | 9) Delivering high quality support for British nationals |
| policy decisions. The UK is very much present in the | | | | abroad, in normal times and cries; and |
| life of the people. Even trade and investment, Dr | | | | 10) Ensuring the security and good governance of |
| John Murton adds, between the two countries are | | | | the UK's Overseas Territories. |
| vibrant. UK is still one of the biggest partners and | | | | There are very few of these that can be resolved |
| investment from the UK here is quite significant, and | | | | purely on a bilateral basis. Dr Murton points out and |
| is growing. New investments continue to come in. | | | | says Mauritius can be a strong partner in collaborating |
| Later this year, Virgin Atlantic Airline will be here. It | | | | on these issues. Already Mauritius is playing an |
| will be very good for Mauritius. It will bring Mauritius a | | | | important role in international and regional affairs. It |
| little closer to UK. | | | | has been the most vocal critic of the Zimbabwean |
| It is clear that as Mauritius continues to develop its | | | | regime. This stand has been welcomed by UK and it |
| different sectors of the economy, from sugar | | | | stays a strong partner for this country. |
| sectors to knowledge hub, more investments from | | | | Visa to the UK |
| the UK will flow in and it will continue to be an | | | | A national of Mauritius does not need a visa to the |
| important element of their relationship. Dr Murton | | | | UK as a visitor for less than six months. However, on |
| says with the changes taking places in the world, | | | | arrival one must satisfy the immigration officer that |
| Mauritius is fully aware of the challenges and | | | | one qualifies for entry to the United Kingdom as a |
| opportunities it faces as the world economy | | | | visitor under the Immigration Rules. The same rule |
| develops. Dr John Murton thinks people from here are | | | | applies to those who go for a business travel. |
| prepared to grasp the opportunities. During his stay in | | | | In the case of students, it's a bit different. If they |
| Mauritius, he will have to concentrate on certain | | | | are allowed to enter the UK as a student for up to |
| priorities identified by his government. There are 10 | | | | six months, they will not be allowed to extend their |
| strategic international priorities over the next five to | | | | stay unless they arrived with a student or |
| ten years. They underline, he says, how closely | | | | prospective student visa, or are studying on a course |
| domestic and international policies are now linked: | | | | at degree level or higher. |
| 1) Making Mauritius safer from Global terrorism and | | | | The home office will charge you a fee for applying to |
| weapons of mass destruction; | | | | extend your stay. If one has entered the UK as a |
| 2) Reducing the harm to the UK from international | | | | visitor, and is still in the UK as a visitor, that person |
| crime, including drug trafficking, people smuggling and | | | | will not be allowed to switch to student status. This |
| money laundering; | | | | is due to the Immigration Rules Change that came |
| 3) Preventing and resolving conflict through a strong | | | | into effect on 3 April 2006. A word of caution: even |
| international system; | | | | though you do not need a visa, it is always advisable |
| 4) Building an effective and globally competitive EU in | | | | to seek clarification, information and advise from the |
| a secure neighborhood; | | | | High Commission in Port Louis. |
| 5) Supporting the UK economy and business through | | | | |