Chagos Islands Diplomacy: A Chagossian delegation urged UK parliamentarians to complete the stalled handover of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, saying UK politics has “hijacked” their human-rights case and that resettlement is blocked under the British Indian Ocean Territory regime. Visa Rules for Travellers: The US plans to cut visa-processing embassies and consulates across Africa from nearly 50 to 20 hubs, including Port Louis, meaning applicants in non-hub countries may face travel costs and delays. UK Student Visa Tightening: UK Visas and Immigration warned student applicants that visas will be refused if proof of funds doesn’t meet rules for course fees and living costs. Informal Work Warning: Moody’s says Sub-Saharan Africa’s informal employment averages 88% and informal economies are 36% of official GDP, squeezing tax revenue and weakening policy impact. Mauritius in Africa Rankings: Jeune Afrique and The Africa Report’s 2026 performance index places Mauritius second, citing institutional stability and economic diversification. Travel Insurance Tip: Travellers are being urged to consider trip cancellation insurance to recover non-refundable costs when illness, emergencies or severe weather derail plans.