<I>Lawyer</I>

<B> Following the budget, expatriates will have the right to practise the legal profession in Mauritius. What are your first reactions?</B>

First of all, I am someone who thinks the legal profession in Mauritius should be exclusively for Mauritians! We have to be careful to avoid “unfair competition”. Moreover, if this is to be done, it has be a two-way traffic. I mean, if we allow them to come and work here, will we (Mauritians) be able to go and practise in their countries?

<B>Does that mean that you are against this reform?</B>

I am neither for nor against this reform. But there are some things that have to be remembered. First of all, Mauritians cannot go to their countries to practise this profession as they have closed the doors. Secondly, our barristers and solicitors are good enough. They can even go and plead in the Privy Council. Finally, there are already too many people doing this job in Mauritius!

<B>Indeed, in 2004, the then president of the bar council, Sanjay Bhuckory, mentioned overcrowding in this profession. Is it still the case? What will happen if those expatriates do come to Mauritius?</B>

Yes, there is over-crowding in the legal profession. But now if expatriates do come here, the competition will be even more acute. 90% of clients for barristers and solicitors are “floating customers”. If those expats come here, our big clients will go to them, as those clients have money. Therefore, Mauritian barristers and solicitors will lose their major clients.

<B>Some lawyers see the opening-up to expatriates as a gain for our legal system, as they will bring their knowledge and experience. Do you agree with this?</B>

As I said, I am against the idea that those expatriates should come and practise the legal profession in our country. Especially when you take in consideration the fees they expect! In point of fact, can Mauritians afford to pay them what they are asking for? I do not think so.

<B>In Mauritius some lawyers are involved in criminal, offshore and other fields of law. Do you not think the arrival of those expatriates should encourage our lawyers to start specialising?</B>

We live in a small island! This is why our lawyers do not specialise! There is no point! If the expatriates who come are specialised, to what will their knowledge contribute? They could come to help in the financial sector, but the problem is that Mauritius is not even a financial hub!