Cabinet approved the ratification of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Seychelles and the Government of the Republic of Poland on Air Services, signed on 18 November 2021. The Agreement establishes a framework for reciprocal air services between the two countries and includes provisions to encourage increased air connectivity, commercial cooperation, and operational flexibility between designated airlines.
Cabinet approved the extension of the derogation on the application of selected provisions under the Harbour (Port and Harbour Dues) Regulations, Schedule 2, in order to continue supporting local coastal and hire craft operators engaged in inter-island transport and maritime activities. The approved measures include the continuation of reduced berth dues for local cargo vessels during non-operational hours, fixed monthly berthing rates for resident hire crafts operating on Praslin and La Digue, a 30% discount on ramp usage fees, and concessions for vessels undergoing repairs. Cabinet noted that the extension is intended to support economic continuity across the islands and provide operational stability to the maritime sector.
Cabinet approved amendment to the Excise Tax (Remission, Rebate and Refund) Regulations 2023 to increase the Excise Tax refund rate applicable to Licensed Ferry Service Operators (Cargo) from 25% to 37%. The measure is intended to provide temporary relief to ferry operators in light of recent fuel price increases and rising operating costs, while helping to maintain the affordability, sustainability, and reliability of inter-island cargo transportation services and mitigate increases in the cost of goods on the inner islands.
Cabinet approved three sets of regulations under the Early Childhood Development Act, 2022, namely the Early Childhood Development (National Standards for Child Care Centres) Regulations, the Early Childhood Development (National Standards for Child Care Homes) Regulations, and the Early Childhood Development (Conditions for Licences) Regulations. The approved regulations establish comprehensive national standards and licensing conditions for both centre-based and home-based childcare services, aimed at strengthening regulatory oversight, improving the safety, health, protection and wellbeing of children, and enhancing the quality of early childhood care services in Seychelles.
Cabinet approved the concurrent payment of the 5% Public Sector Commission (PSC) Annual Gratuity and the 13th Month Pay for Public Sector Commission (PSC) contract holders, in line with the pre-COVID-19 compensation structure. Cabinet noted that the 5% gratuity alone is lower than the 13th Month Pay and that discontinuing the latter would place PSC holders at a financial disadvantage compared to previous arrangements. The approved measure aims to uphold fairness and equity within the public service and ensure consistency with the current legal framework governing the mandatory payment of the 13th Month salary as per the Employment Act.
Cabinet approved the proposal for the introduction of a Living Wage framework for Seychelles and endorsed the general principles guiding the exercise aimed at ensuring that workers and their families can attain a decent standard of living. The assessment is being led by the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning, Trade and Investment with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO) and will examine the actual cost of living in Seychelles based on a basket of essential goods and services, including housing, food, healthcare, education, transport, childcare, and social participation. The exercise will initially rely on the 2018 Household Budget Survey data and will be updated once the 2024–2025 Household Budget Survey findings become available.
Cabinet approved the findings and recommendations of the 2024 Progress Report on the implementation of the National Development Strategy (NDS) 2024–2028, noting that the first year of implementation has established a solid foundation for advancing national priorities despite challenges related to coordination, project implementation, data management, and institutional capacity. Cabinet further endorsed measures to strengthen the Results-Based Management (RBM) framework and planning functions across Government, improve inter-agency coordination and data systems, and support the continued digitalisation and modernisation of public services. Cabinet also approved the alignment of the NDS with the Government’s Manifesto and 100-Day Plan to ensure that emerging national priorities are fully reflected in the country’s development agenda.
Cabinet approved the establishment of the National Professional and Technical Education and Skills Development Council as a strategic oversight and advisory body to guide the transformation and development of Professional and Technical Education and Training in Seychelles. The Council will provide strategic leadership and coordination to ensure that Professional, Technical Education and skills development programmes are aligned with national labour market needs and socio-economic priorities. The Council will comprise of Principal Secretaries of Human Resource Planning, Human Resource Development, Industry and Enterprise, and private sector representatives.
Cabinet was briefed on the successful advancement of the nomination of Mission Ruins of Venn’s Town for inscription as Seychelles’ first UNESCO Cultural World Heritage Site. Cabinet noted that the Nomination Dossier has been accepted by the UNESCO World Heritage Centre as technically complete and has now progressed to the international evaluation stage.
Cabinet approved the introduction of a temporary Entertainment Licence Framework to support the growth of Seychelles’ cultural, tourism and entertainment sectors while ensuring the protection of residents from excessive noise and disturbance. The framework will allow existing licensed venues such as bars, cafés and restaurants, as well as organisers of ticketed entertainment events, to apply for temporary entertainment licences subject to conditions relating to operating hours, security, safety measures, age restrictions and venue capacity. A comprehensive long-term entertainment licensing framework will be developed and implemented to provide a sustainable and modern regulatory system for entertainment activities in Seychelles.
