President Dr. Patrick Herminie chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet yesterday Wednesday 17th December 2025, in which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
Cabinet approved the re-introduction of the Unemployment Relief Scheme (URS) from January 2026. The renewed scheme will support vulnerable groups through temporary work placements aimed at building skills and improving employability. Cabinet endorsed the eligibility criteria, enrolment pathways, and operational modalities, with an annual intake of 250 participants on a six-month placement, which may be extended subject to review by the Ministry. Participants may be engaged either full-time or part-time. Full-time participants will receive a monthly allowance of SCR 6,388.20, of which Government will subsidise 70% (SCR 4,471.74) and employers will contribute 30% (SCR 1,916.46). Part-time participants, working a maximum of 24 hours per week, will receive an allowance calculated based on the minimum wage hourly rate. The part-time option is designed to cater for participants such as persons with disabilities who may not be able to undertake full-time work but can still benefit from gaining skills and work experience under the programme. The allowance will be tax-free and will exclude pension payments. Cabinet further approved the establishment of a dedicated URS Unit within the Employment Promotion Division to manage the scheme, monitor participants, and provide guidance, counselling, and support to facilitate successful completion and transition into permanent employment. Cabinet also approved the new URS Bill and Regulations to give legal effect to the scheme.
Cabinet approved the establishment of the Inner Islands Affairs and Community Delivery Department on Praslin to serve Praslin, La Digue, Silhouette and other inner islands. The Department which will be within the Ministry of Local Government and Inner Islands will strengthen decentralisation, improve coordination, enhance project oversight, accelerate community service delivery, and ensure faster, more responsive governance closer to island communities.
Cabinet approved the re-establishment of an autonomous Agency under the Ministry of Education and Human Resource Development to administer government-funded scholarships, education pathways and national career guidance services. This new agency will replace the current arrangement. Cabinet endorsed the creation of a statutory body with a clear mandate, an independent Board, a Scholarship Award Committee and an organisational framework to strengthen accountability and improve service delivery.
Cabinet approved the proposal for Seychelles to host the 59th Plenary Assembly Session of the SADC Parliamentary Forum (SADC PF) in June 2026. The SADC Parliamentary Forum Plenary Assembly is the highest decision-making meeting of SADC PF, bringing together Speakers, Members of Parliament, and regional parliamentary bodies to deliberate on governance, democracy, and regional integration issues. It provides a platform for parliaments to coordinate, adopt resolutions, and advance legislative cooperation across the SADC region. The event will bring together around 200 regional delegates.
Cabinet approved Seychelles’ hosting of the 17th CONFEJES Board meeting in March 2026. The approval confirms the country’s commitment as an Executive Board member and recognises the strategic diplomatic, youth leadership, and visibility benefits of hosting the meeting. CONFEJES - the Conférence des Ministres de la Jeunesse et des Sports de la Francophonie; is a Francophone intergovernmental body that promotes youth, sports, and capacity-building across 42 member states. Its Board meeting brings together Ministers to guide programmes, funding, and strategic decisions for the organisation.
Cabinet approved the ratification of the African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) treaty by the Government of Seychelles. The African Legal Support Facility (ALSF) is an international organisation that helps African governments obtain high-quality legal advice for complex commercial transactions, creditor litigation, and sovereign debt matters. It strengthens countries’ negotiating power, protects national interests, and builds long-term legal and technical capacity in key economic sectors. Cabinet noted the legal and technical assistance Seychelles has already received and agreed that the ALSF continues to provide valuable support in strengthening national legal capacity.
Cabinet approved Seychelles’ accession to the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), a pan-African multilateral development finance institution that provides long-term project financing, technical expertise, and investment support for infrastructure and industrial development across the continent. Cabinet authorised the Minister of Finance to sign the Instrument of Adherence on behalf of the Republic, noting that membership will enhance Seychelles’ access to financing and partnerships for priority projects in renewable energy, transport, blue economy development, and climate resilience. Cabinet further noted that accession carries no membership fees and aligns with national efforts to diversify financing sources and strengthen economic resilience.