Cabinet approves legal and policy memoranda |22 November 2025
The Cabinet approved a number of legal and policy memoranda this week, in a series of Cabinet meetings held from Monday to Wednesday. The meetings were chaired by President Patrick Herminie.
The decisions are as follows:
Cabinet approved the reintroduction of a series of social measures aimed at improving the livelihood of Seychellois as part of the government’s 100-day actions. These include the STC Card Programme and the Financial Assistance for Registered Day Care and Childminding Services. Cabinet further agreed that groups currently benefiting from reduced bus fares will continue to do so and directed the Ministry of Transport, Ports and Civil Aviation to submit a proposal on how other commuters using the SPTC service can benefit from reduced fares.
Cabinet approved the gradual increase of the monthly social security retirement benefit to R10,000 by 2029 through a phased approach starting with an increase of R800 for all beneficiaries effective January 1, 2026. Cabinet also endorsed the revision of the social security retirement age from 65 to 63 effective January 1, 2026.
Cabinet approved the amendment to the Employment Act to make the full 13th month salary mandatory for all eligible workers effective 2025, for payment in January 2026. This decision removes the performance-based deduction introduced in 2022 and restores the benefit to its original 2016 form.
Cabinet approved the reinstatement and revision of key employment benefits for public officers, including the PSC Performance Allowance and the PSC Annual Gratuity of 5% effective 2026, the Long Service Allowance effective December 2025, and the revised Continuous Service Gratuity effective 2026. The decision recognises improved fiscal conditions and ongoing remuneration reforms and aims to motivate performance, strengthen accountability, and retain skilled personnel in the public sector.
Cabinet approved the exemption of small tourism establishments from the Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy (TESL) effective January 1, 2026. The R25 per head per night levy will be removed to address administrative burdens, compliance costs, and potential impacts on competitiveness and occupancy levels for Seychellois-owned small operators. Cabinet recognised the importance of supporting inclusive sector growth and local economic resilience.
Cabinet approved the Mental Health Care Agency Bill, 2025, which establishes a dedicated Mental Health Care Agency and repeals the Mental Health Care Act, 2020. The Bill modernises the legal framework and strengthens mental health service delivery in Seychelles, with strong provisions for patient protection in line with international human rights standards.
Cabinet approved the National Institute for Science, Technology and Innovation (NISTI) Bill, 2025, establishing NISTI as a statutory body to lead and coordinate scientific research, technology development, and innovation in Seychelles. The legislation modernises the framework to support national priorities for economic diversification and knowledge-based growth.
Cabinet approved the Public Persons (Declaration of Assets, Liabilities and Business Interests) (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which expands the scope of asset declarations to include immediate family members and introduces stricter penalties, including fines of R500,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment for non-compliance.
Cabinet approved the Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation Agency Bill, 2025, establishing a statutory body to coordinate national efforts in the prevention, treatment, and rehabilitation of drug and alcohol abuse. The decision strengthens governance by integrating currently fragmented programmes under a single central agency.
Cabinet approved the Fair Administrative Bill, 2025, which guarantees the right to fair and lawful administrative action and sets clear standards for how public decisions are made. The Bill requires authorities to provide written reasons for adverse decisions, applies fair administrative principles to both state and non-state bodies exercising public powers, and criminalises discriminatory conduct, while recognising the Supreme Court’s separate review role.
Cabinet approved Seychelles’ continued membership in the Open Government Partnership (OGP), recognising that the initiative supports the new administration’s governance priorities, promotes public trust, and reinforces the country’s international reputation.
Press release/photo: State House