Is my employer required to give me an allowance if they send me to travel abroad for work purposes?

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Dear Clever Dodo,

I have a question which i am trying to clear out my mind since long. I am actually working in a private firm. After 11 months of work, my employer is asking me to go for a client meeting abroad (Reunion Island) for one week. I would like to know whether there exist a law where it is stated i am obliged to get an allowance for this abroad travel when in my employment contract travelling abroad is not mentioned.

Please advise

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gices Level 6

On the Mauritius Employment Rights Act 2008, there is no mention of travelling allowance which means it is up to the employer to specify this if it's part of your job.

If there's no mention of it in your job contract, you can then refuse to go abroad. Otherwise you can negotiate the terms with your employer. You can raise this with your HR department, ask them what costs will be paid/reimbursed (eg meal allowance, accommodation etc).

Many companies will provide allowance on an adhoc basis if it's something that is not really part of your role but can happen occasionally. You just need to see whether you're up for the travelling and contented with how the expenses are going to be paid.