Work and Travel in Mayotte

VOLUNTEER AND PAID WORK OPPORTUNITIES IN MAYOTTE FOR TRAVELLERS

Mayotte is a French department situated in the Indian Ocean, east of Madagascar and Mozambique. If the idea of remote travel appeals to you, you don’t find many places as remote as this.

So do you want to work and travel in Mayotte?

Explore the local culture of the area and make a difference at the same time. Our travel guide to Mayotte is the starting point you need.

1. Help with Computer Literacy in Mayotte

Mayotte is incredibly poor with little investment from France. The GDP per capita is a quarter of that of its parent country. A lot of this is due to the fact that Mayotte doesn’t have access to the same technology that the rest of the world has.

Many people don’t know how to use a computer, including many businesses. Join a project that helps with computer literacy.

You’ll have the chance to support local businesses and give them the tools they need to flourish.

2. Support Refugees in Mayotte

There’s a lot of anger regarding permanent immigrants to Mayotte. Travel in Mayotte and you’ll find a lot of people from the Comoros who have come in search of work. This has led to widespread anger and attacks on those from the Comoros, including a notorious incident in 2016 when 200 families were forced from their home.

Join a charity project to support migrants who have been victimised. You’ll be helping them to get back on their feet and you’ll be offering basic services.

Depending on your skills, you could be doing practically anything, so apply today and see which skills are needed for work in Mayotte.

3. Protect the Mangroves in Mayotte

The mangroves of Mayotte have been under threat for years. Only now are serious conservation efforts being made to protect them. They are the cornerstone of the biodiversity of the island.

This is one of the volunteering opportunities in Mayotte that will take you out of the typical tourist trail and into the isolated areas.

It’s an excellent way to see the country and to visit the places few others do.

VOLUNTEER WORK VISA / PERMIT REQUIREMENTS FOR MAYOTTE

Travel in Mayotte is relatively easy for most Westerners because there’s no need to acquire a visa. The UK (until Brexit) and citizens of the European Union (EU) are able to stay and work in Mayotte without a visa for as long as they want. For more info click here.

For North Americans, Australians, Kiwis, the Japanese, and South Koreans, it’s possible to stay for 90 days without acquiring visas. Due to how far away Mayotte is, and the cost of flights, it’s common for travellers seeking volunteering opportunities in Mayotte to apply for a long-term visa. This can be done from any French embassy.

Russians, South Africans, and the Chinese need to apply for a visa to Mayotte in advance. Again, this can be done at any French embassy.

SEASONAL BACKPACKER SKILLS NEEDED IN MAYOTTE

SPRING WORK

The tropical climate is Mayotte makes the island something of a paradise. The spring season is the shoulder season and brings some rain, but the climate is mainly warm and sunny. It’s the right balance and so it’s the best time of the year to be in Mayotte.

This is the time for conservation projects in the country. Working on mangrove conservation is a great option. There are also a variety of birds and marine life that have conservation projects dedicated to them.

You may even want to participate in an investment project in the rural areas. These agricultural projects bring new tools and education to the area. You could be part of the team that helps to deliver them. You don’t need to be an expert to assist in these volunteering opportunities in Mayotte.

SUMMER JOBS

Work and travel in Mayotte in summer brings cool winds and sunny temperatures. Some people may find the higher temperatures difficult to deal with, though.

For this reason, we recommend going to the towns and cities and volunteering there. This type of work in Mayotte could involve helping out with English teaching. Ideally, you’ll already have a TEFL qualifications so you can work in schools.

In some cases, particularly if you’re working in the private sector, you may be able to combine an English teaching stint with a homestay. A lot of the migrants, especially from France, want to provide their children with an education and native English speakers are well-placed to connect with the local way of living by partaking in these projects.

Another option may be computer literacy classes. Working with local businesses in the area will allow you to create real change and get to know the local culture.

AUTUMN

The autumn season is the shoulder season. It’s another great time to travel in Mayotte because it’s neither too hot nor too rainy.

We recommend that you refer back to the ‘Spring’ section for more information on some of the things that you can do in autumn.

WINTER

The winter season is the main rainy season and is the least optimal time of year to come into the country. You may want to consider opting for the indoor projects mentioned in ‘Summer’ if you insist on visiting in winter.

ATTITUDE TO FOREIGNERS WORKING OR VOLUNTEERING IN MAYOTTE

Do you want to work and travel in Mayotte?

Then you need to bear in mind that there’s a lot of anger due to the impoverished conditions in the country and a spree of illegal migration, mainly from the nearby Comoros. As someone from a developed country, you’re unlikely to experience the same level of anger.

On the other hand, you should take care to avoid taking on paid work in the country without a permit. The level of anger means that such situations can quickly turn violent. Migrants have been chased out of the towns and cities before because of illegal working.

But don’t let any of this deter you. The local Mayotte people are generally friendly and they will be pleased to see you in the country.

Do you have what it takes to work in Mayotte?