Vice-President Mr Sebastien Pillay chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday 22nd April, during which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
Cabinet has approved the launch of three landmark national initiatives as part of Seychelles’ 50th Independence anniversary celebrations, namely the first Multi-stakeholder Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) Forum to be held from 24th to 26th June 2026, the first National Innovation Fair, and the first Innovation Award Scheme, aimed at strengthening innovation as a driver of socio-economic transformation, economic diversification and resilience. The initiatives, led by the STI Hub Secretariat in collaboration with NISTI, will bring together Government, academia, private sector, civil society and international experts under the theme “Transforming Seychelles Through Technological Innovation,” with a focus on frontier technologies including artificial intelligence, and will culminate in the official launch of the Innovation Awards on 29 June 2026.
Cabinet has approved the final draft of the Trade Remedies Bill and its submission to the National Assembly, paving the way for Seychelles to establish a modern legal framework to protect domestic industries from unfair trade practices and import surges. The Bill will introduce trade defence measures, including anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard actions, in line with WTO rules, ensuring a level playing field for local producers. It sets out clear procedures for investigations, decision-making and enforcement, designates the Trade Division as the investigating body, and provides for oversight and review through existing institutions. This decision marks an important step in strengthening Seychelles’ capacity to respond to injurious imports while upholding its international trade obligations.
Cabinet has approved amendments to the Customs Management Act, 2011 through the Customs Management (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, aimed at modernising customs procedures, reducing administrative burdens and aligning Seychelles with international standards. The reforms will improve the temporary admission regime for yachts by introducing greater flexibility alongside stronger controls, operationalise the ATA Carnet system in line with international conventions, clarify the definition of “assessment” to cover all customs-related dues, and require electronic or bank transfer payments for amounts of SCR 50,000 and above to strengthen compliance. These changes are expected to enhance trade facilitation, improve transparency and efficiency in customs operations, and ensure Seychelles meets its international obligations while safeguarding revenue and regulatory oversight.
Cabinet approved amendments to the Customs Management (Tariff and Classification of Goods) Regulations, 2022 to ensure Seychelles’ tariff schedules remain aligned with regional and international obligations. The amendments implement a COMESA Council decision extending tariff preferences to Ethiopia and Eritrea, correct omissions by adding Uganda to the COMESA FTA list and inserting missing HS subheadings for lighting components and introduce national tariff splits to strengthen monitoring of hazardous substances under the Rotterdam Convention. They also update AfCFTA and SADC tariff schedules, including provisions for post-2026 tariff application and phased liberalisation under AfCFTA. Cabinet further endorsed a two-phase approach, with immediate updates to ensure compliance and accuracy, followed by a comprehensive revision of the tariff book to incorporate 2027 onward tariff commitments.
Cabinet has approved the repeal and replacement of the Customs Management (Prohibited and Restricted Goods) Regulations, 2023 and the Customs Management (Export Permit) Regulations, 2014 to modernise and strengthen Seychelles’ import and export control framework. The updated regulations refine and expand the lists of prohibited and restricted goods, clarify approval responsibilities across relevant authorities, and improve classification and enforcement procedures, following extensive stakeholder consultations. Cabinet also approved the extension of the Open Import Permit system, valid for one year, to additional specified product categories under agreed conditions, as well as new legal provisions to formally implement import and export prohibitions arising from international sanctions. The reforms aim to enhance regulatory clarity, improve trade facilitation efficiency, and ensure stronger alignment with international obligations and national safety, environmental, and security considerations.
Cabinet has approved a proposal to amend the Stamp Duty (Exemption) Order, 2019 to introduce a new exemption category for instruments of charge or mortgage, including related discharge or release, in favour of registered private educational institutions securing loans for the development, construction or improvement of educational facilities, subject to the approval of the Minister responsible for Finance. The decision addresses an existing gap in the current framework established under the Stamp Duty Act, 1976, which does not provide similar relief to private educational institutions despite their growing contribution to the national education infrastructure.
Cabinet has approved a set of immediate and short- to medium-term employment preparedness measures in response to the impact of the Middle East conflict on economic activity, particularly the tourism sector, which has led to reduced demand, rising redundancy risks, and increased pressure on the labour market. The measures aim to mitigate job losses, support business continuity and strengthen protection of local employment while maintaining critical services across key industries. Cabinet also approved revised procedures for the processing of non-Seychellois post applications, including fast-tracking priority sectors such as farming, fisheries and Government projects within seven working days without advertising, maintaining a 14-day processing period for tourism (with no advertising required for renewals but advertising required for new posts), and applying standard advertising requirements for other sectors, while also allowing changes of employer within similar fields subject to proper documentation and agreement.