In Mauritius, 76% of young people aged 18 to 25 are considering emigration.
The desire to leave Mauritius is growing significantly among the youth. According to the 2026 Afrobarometer report, published on August 10 in Réduit, 76% of 18-25 year-olds have considered, to varying degrees, moving abroad, compared to 26% ten years ago.
SUMMARY
This trend highlights the challenges faced by some of the Mauritian youth, particularly regarding employment, purchasing power, and access to housing. It also contrasts with the image of a stable and prosperous island often associated with Mauritius.
The study, prepared by the polling institute StraConsult as part of the Afrobarometer Flagship Report 2026, shows that the proportion of young people who have thought about emigrating has nearly tripled since 2016. This figure does not mean that all have taken steps to leave, but that they consider this possibility as an option.
The Cost of Living and the Feeling of Blockage
Sociologist Meghna Raghoobar explains that this increase is mainly due to the rising cost of living, the increase in real estate prices, and the feeling that access to opportunities does not rely sufficiently on merit.
She also mentions nepotism and clientelism, which contribute to some young people’s impression that the local job market is hard to access. In this context, emigration is no longer seen merely as an individual choice but as a response to the limitations felt within Mauritian society.
Youth representatives quoted in the report emphasize the difficulties in accessing employment and the level of wages. Teejvin Woodun, a student and member of the National College Forum, believes that this trend goes beyond just the question of youth mobility and reveals a broader discomfort regarding the country’s socio-economic model.
English-speaking destinations are among the most sought after. Canada and Australia particularly attract young Mauritians due to professional prospects, study opportunities, and the presence of a significant diaspora.
Saniyah Hossenbocus, vice-president of the National Student Council, emphasizes, however, that the plan to leave does not necessarily reflect a rejection of Mauritius. It may also correspond to the desire to discover other countries, gain international experience, or compare opportunities abroad with those available on the island.
With 76% of 18-25 year-olds having thought about emigrating, international mobility is now a central topic in the discussion about employment, economic prospects, and the future of Mauritian youth.
Comments