On 28 October 2025, Mauritius’ National Assembly repealed section 76B of the Criminal Code, removing the offence of “misrepresenting the sovereignty of Mauritius” through coins, stamps, official maps or other official objects or documents. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office confirmed the move on 30 October and welcomed the clarity it provides.
Mauritius has published an Explanatory Memorandum to the Criminal Code (Amendment No. 2) Bill, dated 24 October 2025. It links the repeal to the UK–Mauritius treaty presented on 22 May 2025 concerning the Chagos Archipelago, stating that, in light of the agreement recognising Mauritian sovereignty, the misrepresentation offence is redundant.
Section 76B was introduced in November 2021 by the Criminal Code (Amendment) Act 2021 (Act No. 17 of 2021). In practice it applied to state‑linked activity, covering only persons acting under the authority or instructions of, or with financial support from, a foreign state.
No prosecutions were ever brought under section 76B, according to the FCDO. The National Assembly’s repeal therefore removes a provision that was legislated but never tested in court.
The amending instrument is tightly drafted. It comprises three clauses-short title, interpretation and a single repeal clause-removing section 76B from the principal Act without savings or transitional language.
From a compliance perspective, the repeal reduces the prospect of criminal exposure in Mauritius for state‑linked publishers of official maps, stamps, coins or other official documents. Organisations producing such materials for or with foreign governments should update internal guidance to reflect the change.
The legislative change aligns domestic criminal law with the UK–Mauritius agreement concerning the Chagos Archipelago. The treaty presented to the UK Parliament on 22 May 2025 provides for Mauritian sovereignty and the long‑term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia.
For officials and contractors implementing the 2025 agreement, the removal of section 76B should simplify the production of official materials consistent with the treaty’s terms. Further detail sits in the treaty text and explanatory memorandum now before the UK Parliament.