President Wavel Ramkalawan, chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet yesterday, Wednesday 11th December in which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
The Cabinet of Ministers approved the establishment of a Working Group to facilitate Seychelles' integration into the United States Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). This strategic initiative aims to enable Seychellois citizens to travel visa-free to the USA for tourism or business for up to 90 days, enhancing travel convenience and fostering bilateral ties with the United States. The Working Group, comprising representatives from key ministries and agencies, will focus on meeting the stringent security and cooperation requirements of the VWP, including counterterrorism, border control, and law enforcement standards. Seychelles has already made significant progress by providing visa-free entry for U.S. citizens and issuing e-passports to its nationals. With the Cabinet’s endorsement, this effort underscores the country’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and providing greater mobility opportunities for its citizens.
The Cabinet approved the establishment of the Licensing and Registration of Health-Related Practices Regulation, in accordance with the Public Health Authority Act, 2013. The Registration of Health-Related Services Regulations, 2024, sets out a comprehensive framework for the registration and governance of health-related services in Seychelles, ensuring compliance with hygiene, safety, and professional standards. It mandates detailed application requirements, non-transferable registrations, and regular renewals to uphold quality in services like clinics, hospitals, laboratories, and mobile health facilities. The regulation emphasises accountability, requiring registered entities to report health data and maintain standards to contribute to national health monitoring and public safety.
The Cabinet approved the official draft regulations accompanying the reforms to the Securities Act, 2007. These regulations, developed collaboratively by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) and the Attorney General’s Office, align with the Securities (Amendment) Bill, 2024, which has already received the National Assembly's endorsement. The amendments introduce significant enhancements to the securities framework, including mandatory risk warnings for advertisements, revised capital requirements, and updated fees to ensure global competitiveness. Additionally, new measures for client protection and operational efficiency, such as tailored engagement for retail and professional clients and streamlined complaint-handling procedures, have been incorporated. These reforms underscore Seychelles' commitment to strengthening its position in global capital markets while maintaining transparency and robust regulatory compliance.
The Cabinet approved the proposal to amend Section 40 of the Seychelles Pension Fund (SPF) Act, 2005, to address gaps in incapacity benefits for members with moderate functional restrictions deemed unfit for work for at least one year. The amendments will ensure a more inclusive approach by extending benefits to this category of members, with retrospective effect from September 1, 2024. The Cabinet further endorsed transitional arrangements for the Functional Capacity Assessment Board (FCAB) to review cases with moderate restrictions and long review periods during the amendment process. These measures aim to provide equitable financial support to incapacitated members and align with the SPF's commitment to ensuring financial security for its contributors.
Relevant Ministries will provide details.