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X The MGI’s archives department is the custodian of 2,055 original documents relating to indentured labour. These include arrival records, marriage certificates, employment contracts, administrative letters and hundreds of thousands of identity photographs of these workers.
“These documents contain historical information,” says Vishwanaden. “Mauritius served as
a pilot project, a ‘Great Experiment’ for indentured labour after the abolition of slavery, and this collection is unique. Its value was recognised by UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register in 2015.”
The archives are kept in
a sealed, temperature- and light-controlled environment to ensure this treasured legacy is preserved for generations to come. For the same
reason, the documents are not directly accessible to the public. Any person who wants to obtain information on ancestors who were indentured labourers must submit a request to the archives. They will then receive
a copy of the requested documents, which contain information on the immigrant’s identity, origin and employment contract.
‘Appadoo’ was 24 years old and came from Coringa. He arrived in Mauritius on 5 August 1857 on board the Beemah and her immigrant number was 179021. His face was covered with small scars. He died in Port Louis on 2 August 1895.
You need to know where you come from to know who you are. P
discover moka
The Indian Immigration Archives
PP P
How should
I proceed to look up for an ancestor who was an indentured labourer?
Indian Immigration Museum and Archives
MGI, Moka Monday to Friday
From 9.30am to noon and from 1pm to 3.30pm Free entry
1) Go to the civil status office and collect all relevant birth certificates, from yours to that of the first descendant of the ancestor born in Mauritius.
2) On that person’s birth certificate, you will find the immigrant number of the parent born in Mauritius, which will be required to process your application.
3) Bring along your identity card and proof of address.
4) Submit all your documents to the Indian Immigration Records Department at the MGI in person, by email or by mail.
5) Go there in person to collect a copy of your ancestor’s document.
Read more:
W : mgirti.ac.mu
T : 403 2018 (museum) | 403 2037 (archives)
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