President Dr. Patrick Herminie, chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Tuesday 23rd December, during which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
Cabinet approved changes to the Government policy on mandatory contributions in Government-managed elderly homes to reduce the financial burden on residents while ensuring sustainable care services. Cabinet agreed to remove the mandatory SCR 1,000 monthly contribution for rent, utilities, and social activities, with Government covering these costs through increased budgetary support. Cabinet also approved that Government will cover the funeral package costs for elderly residents in Government homes. However, residents of the Anse Royale and Grand Anse Praslin Elderly Homes, where central kitchens operate, will continue to pay the mandatory communal catering contribution. These changes will take effect as of 1st January, 2026.
Cabinet approved that public officers who were required to take unpaid leave in order to participate in the 2025 elections process shall be paid the thirteenth month salary, in recognition that their participation constituted the exercise of a constitutional right. Cabinet further agreed that, going forward, public officers who wish to participate in the elections process as candidates shall not be required to take unpaid leave, but will instead be granted a leave of absence in accordance with established procedures, thereby ensuring fairness, consistency, and respect for the democratic rights of public officers while maintaining the integrity and continuity of the public service.
Cabinet approved the immediate and full payment of Seychelles’ arrears to the Southern African Development Community (SADC), amounting to USD 394,719, outstanding contributions to the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). The full payment will restore Seychelles’ full participation rights in SADC meetings, access to official documents. Cabinet also recognised the importance of SADC to Seychelles’ regional, economic, security, and disaster-risk-management interests, and noted that settling the arrears protects the country’s reputation as a responsible Member State and ensures full engagement in upcoming SADC meetings.
Cabinet approved the Government’s response to the severe flooding and landslides in Sri Lanka caused by Cyclone Ditwah in late November 2025. Cabinet noted that no Seychellois casualties were reported and acknowledged the swift consular support and coordination provided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, the Seychelles Honorary Consul in Colombo, and partners to ensure the safety and well-being of Seychellois nationals, including students. Cabinet also approved Seychelles’ participation in the humanitarian response and agreed to provide a donation of USD 100,000 to Sri Lanka as a gesture of solidarity, reflecting the strong bilateral relations between the two countries and their shared vulnerability as island nations to climate-related disasters.
Cabinet approved the establishment of the Seychelles Marine Spatial Planning Agency (SMSPA) and authorised the start of the legislative process to create the enabling law. Cabinet noted that the Agency is the final governance body needed to oversee, coordinate, implement, monitor, and regularly review the Seychelles Marine Spatial Plan.
Cabinet approved changes to the Seychelles Islands Foundation (SIF) Decree of February 1979 to modernise and strengthen the legal framework governing the Foundation. Cabinet noted that the revisions reflect SIF’s expanded role and will allow it to operate more effectively and in compliance with current requirements, particularly in managing and protecting key biodiversity sites under its responsibility.
Cabinet approved the Seychelles Tourism Board Bill, 2025 and the restructuring of the tourism framework, re-establishing the Seychelles Tourism Board (STB) as an independent body responsible for marketing and promoting Seychelles as a tourism destination. Under the new arrangement, the STB will take over the Destination Marketing Division, while the Tourism Department will continue to handle policy and regulatory functions.
Cabinet approved major reforms to the national health system, including the repeal of the Health Care Agency Act. Cabinet also endorsed a new three-pillar structure for the Ministry of Health, comprising a Department for Policy, Strategy and Accountability, a Department of Health Care Services, and a strengthened Public Health Authority. These changes will bring health services under direct ministerial oversight, strengthen accountability, improve the quality and safety of care, and address ongoing issues such as long waiting lists, poor infrastructure maintenance, and rising costs.
Cabinet approved the designation of 1st February as a national public holiday, to be known as Abolition of Slavery Day, marking the abolition of slavery in Seychelles. The designation recognises the day’s historical, cultural, and socio-economic significance and honours the resilience and contributions of enslaved and liberated Africans who shaped the nation. In granting its approval, Cabinet noted that the observance will provide a national space for reflection, education, and unity, strengthen heritage preservation, and support cultural and heritage tourism. Cabinet further agreed that the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and key stakeholders, will develop a comprehensive programme of commemorative, educational, and cultural activities, including consideration of a national monument.
Cabinet approved the Micro and Small Enterprises (MSE) 13th Month Pay Support Programme to help eligible small businesses pay the thirteenth month salary to their employees. Cabinet agreed that SCR 5 million will be allocated in the 2026 Budget to provide partial financial support to micro and small enterprises facing financial difficulty, ensuring that employees receive their full 13th month pay. Cabinet also approved the eligibility criteria, assessment process, and safeguards to ensure the support is fairly targeted, transparent, and properly managed.
Cabinet approved Seychelles’ adoption of the amended Common Reporting Standard (CRS 2.0), a global tax transparency standard developed by the OECD and endorsed by the G20 to combat offshore tax evasion through the automatic exchange of financial account information between countries. Cabinet authorised the signing of the relevant international agreement, approved amendments to local regulations, and endorsed the adoption of the updated reporting system required for information exchange. Cabinet noted that these steps will ensure Seychelles remains aligned with international best practice, strengthens financial transparency, and maintains its reputation as a cooperative and responsible jurisdiction.
Relevant Ministries will provide details.