The Employment Division of the Ministry of Labour and Industrial Relations organized a one-day Job and Training Fair at Victoria Urban Terminal in Port Louis on Thursday 7 August 2025. Building on the success of a similar event held earlier this year in Grand Bay, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between jobseekers and employers while addressing the changing demands of the labour market.
The event brought together a diverse range of employers and training institutions in an accessible environment, providing jobseekers with the opportunity to meet potential employers and explore various training options. Present at the event were the Minister of Labour and Industrial Relations, Mr. Muhammad Reza Cassam Uteem; the Minister of Industry, SME and Cooperatives, Mr. Aadil Ameer Meea; along with several Members of Parliament and distinguished personalities.
Speaking to the press, Mr. Uteem emphasized that the Ministry’s philosophy centers on fostering direct engagement between job seekers and recruiters. “While platforms for employment exist”, he explained, “the advantage of a job fair is that individuals can walk in, connect directly with recruiters and even secure immediate employment in a relaxed, informal setting”. He also announced plans to hold more such fairs across the country to facilitate stronger connections between unemployed individuals and businesses.
Highlighting the evolving nature of the labour market, Mr. Uteem noted that workers no longer remain in the same job until retirement. He acknowledged that certain sectors face difficulties in attracting workers, while others struggle with recruitment due to inconvenient working hours. He stressed the importance of adapting to the expectations of the new generation and the need for companies to evolve accordingly.
Currently, approximately 35,000 individuals are registered with the Employment Office, with around 20,000 of them already employed but still seeking better opportunities. “This underscores the need to create jobs that align with the aspirations of the younger workforce, who seek a healthy balance between work, family life and leisure”, he said.
Addressing skill mismatch, Mr. Uteem highlighted the participation of various training institutions offering courses tailored to emerging industry needs, noting that many jobseekers possess qualifications that do not match current market demands. He emphasized the importance of encouraging women to re-enter the workforce and supporting businesses in recruiting young talent to meet these evolving challenges.