The Mauritius unemployment rate shows an overall improvement in the second quarter of 2025, reflecting a steady recovery in the labor market. Official figures indicate that unemployment declined to 5.9%, down from 6.1% in the same period last year and 6.0% in the previous quarter. This decrease corresponds to 34,200 unemployed individuals, representing a reduction of 1,400 compared to Q2 2024.
Employment Growth and Active Population Trends
Total employment in Mauritius has reached 550,100, marking an increase of 6,200 employed persons over the last twelve months. The active workforce those employed or actively seeking work has grown slightly to 584,300, boosting the labor force participation rate to 58.8%, up from 58.4% a year earlier. Meanwhile, the economically inactive population, including students, retirees, and homemakers, declined from 412,700 to 409,800. These changes contribute to the overall Mauritius unemployment rate, highlighting the gradual improvement in the labor market.
Gender Differences in Employment
Gender disparities remain pronounced. Male unemployment is currently at 4.3%, representing roughly 14,200 men without work, while female unemployment stands at 7.9%, affecting nearly 20,000 women. These figures highlight persistent gender imbalances in the workforce and contribute to the overall Mauritius unemployment rate. The labor force participation rate further illustrates this gap: 69.5% for men versus 48.8% for women.
Rising Youth Unemployment: A Growing Concern
Despite the overall decline in unemployment, young people face increasing challenges. For individuals aged 16–24, the Mauritius unemployment rate rose from 18% in Q2 2024 to 20.1% in Q2 2025. In absolute terms, about 12,800 young people are without work, an increase of 800 over the previous year. This trend highlights that youth employment remains a critical challenge for policymakers.
First-Time Job Seekers and Skills Gaps
Among the unemployed youth, 5,500 are seeking their first job, with 1,800 lacking higher qualifications such as the PSAC. This underscores the difficulties young people face entering the labor market, particularly those without professional or technical training. Addressing these gaps is essential to reduce youth unemployment and foster long-term economic stability.
Educational Background of the Unemployed
Statistics Mauritius reveals that nearly 44% of unemployed individuals have not completed the School Certificate (SC), while 3,200 have not obtained the PSAC/CPE. Furthermore, 80% of unemployed persons have been searching for a job for less than a year, while 20% remain without work for over twelve months. Importantly, 73% of job seekers have prior work experience, leaving 27% in pursuit of their first employment opportunity. These figures provide deeper insight into the Mauritius unemployment rate and the challenges faced by the labor market.
Socioeconomic Implications of Unemployment
The data also sheds light on social realities. About 3,100 unemployed individuals (9%) are heads of households, and 3,900 people (11%) live in households where no member is employed. These figures reflect the broader impact of the Mauritius unemployment rate, indicating the potential economic pressures that prolonged unemployment places on families and communities.
Use of Public Employment Services
Registration at the Employment Service Information Centre covers only 43% of unemployed individuals, suggesting that many job seekers do not use public employment resources. Expanding outreach and improving access to support services are critical steps in connecting job seekers with available employment opportunities.
Regional Comparisons and Global Context
When compared to other countries in the region, Mauritius performs relatively well in terms of overall unemployment. However, the rising youth unemployment mirrors global trends where young people are disproportionately affected by economic downturns and labor market shifts. According to a International Labour Organization report, youth unemployment is a persistent global challenge, emphasizing the need for proactive labor policies.
Policy Implications and Recommendations
The mixed trends in the Mauritius unemployment rate suggest targeted interventions are needed. Policies focusing on vocational training, skills development, and entrepreneurship programs could help bridge the gap for young job seekers. Additionally, promoting gender equality in employment opportunities will contribute to more inclusive growth and a resilient labor market.
Future Outlook
Looking ahead, monitoring the labor market through quarterly updates will be essential. Addressing the Mauritius unemployment rate, particularly among youth, and tackling structural inequalities will be key priorities for the government, educational institutions, and private sector stakeholders. Strategic investment in human capital can ensure Mauritius maintains steady economic growth while providing sustainable employment opportunities for all citizens.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while the overall Mauritius unemployment rate declined in Q2 2025, the rise in youth unemployment remains a critical concern. Tackling this challenge requires targeted policies, improved training programs, and support for first-time job seekers. By addressing these issues, Mauritius can create a more inclusive, equitable, and resilient labor market for the future. For further insights on workforce trends, explore our related article on Youth Mauritius News.
