President Danny Faure chaired a  meeting of the Cabinet today at State House, which discussed a number of legal and policy memoranda.

Cabinet approved the 2018 budget allocation for Ministries.  Each Ministry will now prepare its Programme Performance Based Budget statements.  The final 2018 Appropriation Bill will be presented to Cabinet on the 18th October.

Cabinet approved new proposals for the allocation and management of State Agricultural Land.

Cabinet also approved the development plan for Curieuse Island.

Cabinet approved the Sanitation Master plan for Seychelles.

Cabinet was briefed on the key performance indicators for the Société Seychelloise d'Investissement (SSI) and on its 3-year strategic plan.

Cabinet approved the amendments to the Employment (Amendment) Bill following consideration of feedback from the public consultative process. The bill will be presented to Cabinet for final approval once all the recommendations have been drafted in legal terms.

Cabinet approved amendments to the Civil Status Act 1991.

Cabinet approved legislation for the reactivation of the Unemployment Relief Scheme (URS).  Engagement on the URS will be a key condition for social assistance.

Cabinet approved the draft legislation for the introduction of a special pension for certain categories of public officers, as already announced by the President.

Cabinet also approved draft amendments to the International Business Companies Act, 2016.

Cabinet approved amendments to the Seychelles Pension Fund Act.

Cabinet also approved the draft bill and accompanying regulations to harmonise the various categories of business and persons entitled to fuel concessions under the Excise Tax Act 2009.

Having considered feedback from public consultations, Cabinet approved amendments to the proposed Progressive Income Tax.

Following the completion of the audit process by the Office of the Attorney General, Cabinet approved the supplementary appropriation for 2016 to be submitted to the National Assembly.

Cabinet approved the concept of an Inland Clearance Depot (ICD).  The ICD will facilitate the clearance of goods at the ports and airport.  The Ministry of Finance, Trade and Economic Planning will develop the necessary guidelines and regulations for the implementation of the inland clearance depot.

In light of disasters associated with climate change, Cabinet approved that government take measures to consolidate the planning for greater resilience to ensure the safety of the population.