First Human Resources Forum for 2014
‘Ministry for Labour and Human Resources Development shares its plans for 2014 stakeholders’
The Ministry of Labour and Human Resource Development held its first Human Resource Forum for the year on Thursday 27th March 2014 at the STC Board Room. To note, the Human Resources Forum is a platform for consultation, sharing of knowledge and best practices.
During the session, which was chaired by Principal Secretary Veronique Bresson, the Forum participants were given the opportunity to learn about the Ministry’s major plans and projects for 2014.
The first presentation for the day was by the Director for Policy Planning and Research, Ms Susan Morel, who spoke about the main goals of the Ministry for the year 2014, which include strategies to produce quality statistics, the revision of policies to bring them in line with national developments as well as international labour standards, conducting research on employment topics, promoting the ILO concept of decent work, equality amongst workers and maintaining a low unemployment rate, improving national productivity, managing employment and welfare of non-Seychellois workers and ensuring workplace safety, health and fairness at work.
On her part, the Chief Executive Officer for the Agency for National Human Resource Development (ANHRD), Mrs Margarette Pillay, highlighted the changes in the roles and functions of the Agency and its strategies to develop human resource in the country. She also encouraged the human resource professionals present to make use of the free services offered by the ANHRD and to work closely to ensure that training is provided for posts which are relevant to the needs of the country.
Participants had the opportunity to discuss the plans and they provided some good recommendations which will be taken on board and shared with the relevant Ministries and departments concerned.
The day ended with guest presenter Mr Paul Didon from the Immigration Department addressing member’s queries and concerns in relation to the Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) process and an open discussion on Compensation for non-Seychellois workers.
For the second Human Resource Forum for the year, held on the 29th May 2014 at the Seychelles Fishing Authority Conference Room, Principal Secretary Veronique Bresson took the opportunity to welcome four new members to the Forum.
This was followed with a presentation by the Director for Labour Migration, Ms Benilda Cupidon on the new quota entitlement for the employment of non-Seychellois which came into effect on 15th May 2014. Forum participants then sought clarifications on various points which included the renewal of GOP’s and overseas contractual obligations under the new quota system and provided suggestions to facilitate the implementation of this new system.
The second presentation was by an Employment Officer from the Labour Migration Section, Ms Juliana Valentin and Senior Human Resource Development Officer from the ANHRD, Ms Juliette Gerry. They focused on the different components and requirements that need to be taken into consideration when designing a training programme under the Localization Plan.
Similar to the first presentation, many queries were raised by participants, particularly in regards to identifying the appropriate candidate for training and the level of training needed, which is often not offered locally. It was also suggested that the 3 month period given to organizations to complete their evaluation forms for understudies under the Localization Plan be extended to 6 months.
At this point, Principal Secretary Veronique Bresson highlighted the importance for the private sector to take a more active role in the training of local workers. She encouraged organizations to liaise with the ANHRD in regards to the same.
On the invitation of the Forum, officers from the Seychelles Revenue Commission did two presentations; one on Personal Income Tax and the other on the Seychelles Revenue Commission’s e-service. Members spent the rest of the afternoon discussing and sharing ideas on topical issues. The next Human Resource Forum will be in three months time.
