It is the board of directors and management of parastatal bodies that will evaluate and determine whether to award their long-serving employees with the long service allowance being implemented by the public sector.

Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Myriam Telemaque highlighted this fact yesterday while addressing a private notice question brought in by leader of the opposition in the National Assembly, Wavel Ramkalawan.

She noted that her ministry cannot impose the allowance on parastatal bodies – state owned enterprises that generate and manage their own income – since they are not budget dependent.

“The government has introduced public sector long service allowance for employees who work with government ministries, departments, agencies and other organs that depend on state budget allocation,” Minister Telemaque explained.

The allowance expects to benefit public sector employees on salary band 1 to 5 and other employees who are not serving a contract with public service commission or who are on a fixed-term contract with an agency.

“This public sector allowance is not applicable to public enterprises that do not receive a budget with the government, the reason being that these parastatal bodies operate on a commercial basis and their expenses are based on their revenues.”

“They are also under no obligation to adopt the government’s salary structure and public service orders. They have their own conditions of service and company policies; the government does not interfere in the conditions and benefits they provide their employees as long as they respect existing laws,” Minister Telemaque added.

She however remarked that companies such as the Indian Ocean Tuna (IOT) and Public Utilities Company (PUC) have confirmed that they will be providing their long-serving staff with the allowance.

Many members of the National Assembly (MNAs) expressed the need for other parastatals to do the same, especially since this 2019 national theme is ‘Valorise hard work’.

Complements of Seychelles NATION

“It is extremely difficult to establish the exact number of persons holding a Seychellois nationality who are currently living abroad,” Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Minister Myriam Telemaque, revealed yesterday. 

The minister made this announcement in the National Assembly yesterday following a private notice question brought by the leader of the opposition, Wavel Ramkalawan.
The question sought to address the number of Seychellois living abroad and the number of persons who have become a Seychellois national in the last 10 years as well as under the economic citizenship programme.
Honourable Ramkalawan requested this information in the context of the referendum announced by President Danny Faure, where Seychellois have been asked to determine whether Seychellois living outside of the country will be allowed to vote in future elections.
In her answers yesterday, Minister Telemaque revealed that a total of 870 persons have been given Seychellois nationality under sections 4, 5 and 6 of the Citizenship Act from 2008 to 2018.

Of the 870 naturalised Seychellois, 128 gained nationality under Section 4 which sets provisions for citizenship of a child by registration; 408 gained nationality through Section 5 which allows the president to award citizenship based on distinguished service or special circumstance; and 334 gained Seychellois nationality through Section 6 which allows registration or naturalisation as per the Constitution.
These include Indians, Pakistanis, French, British, Mauritians, Portuguese, Germans, Saudis, Israelis, Kenyans, Chinese, Cubans, Americans, and Filipinos among others.
The minister noted that 75 Palestinians had also been provided with a Seychelles passport under section 5 in the period of 2009 to 2012.

Additionally, over 400 persons had purchased Seychellois nationality while the economic partnership programme was in force.
“We have issued 152,000 passports since 2004; this is not only for those who gained citizenship but this is in general, meaning it’s both people living abroad and in the country,” Minister Telemaque further revealed.
“Three-quarter of Seychellois (population) have a passport so we cannot expect that the number of our population will match the exact number of passports that are issued out. These two elements are not linked,” the minister stressed.

Complements of Seychelles NATION

‘Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status meets with his homologue from the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment for the People’s Republic of Bangladesh’ on the margin of the auspicious event of the signing of the Bilateral Labour Agreement between the Seychelles and Bangladesh’

Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Mrs. Myriam Telemaque, in the presence of officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, welcomed the Honourable Minister for Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, Mr Imran Ahmad and his delegation at Independence House Monday 21st for a technical meeting.  Minister Ahmad was in Seychelles on a 3 day visit specifically for the signing of the Bilateral Labour Agreement between the Republic of Seychelles and Bangladesh. 

A moratorium on the recruitment of workers from Bangladesh was imposed last year in October 2018 until a Bilateral Labour Agreement is signed between the two countries.  This came in the light of many cases that were surfacing as a result of proven unethical recruitment practices going on at both ends.  Since then discussions started to draft the Agreement and the process included a visit by a delegation from Seychelles to Bangladesh led by the Principal Secretary for Employment, Mr Jules Baker.

The technical meeting emphasized the mutual interest of both Governments, to ensure protection of the rights of the Bangladeshi workers, their welfare and good working and living conditions while in employment in Seychelles.  It was added that the implementation of the Agreement is to ensure the workers register with the specified recruitment agencies or with competent authorities in Bangladesh, that they are of the right skills and properly prepared through an orientation programme so that their adaptation to the local culture goes smoothly.

Stating that there were around 21,000 foreign workers in Seychelles by end of 2018, Minister Telemaque said that demand for labour will continue to be high and reassured of Seychelles’ commitment towards treating all workers in Seychelles equally, no matter their nationality.

Minister Ahmad on his part expressed that the agreement will open up for collaboration in other areas including investment possibilities, and that they can also make provisions for Labour in certain sectors like IT, teaching and nursing.  During his visit, he also met with some Bangladeshi workers working in Seychelles and emphasized to them of the requirement to follow Seychelles laws and way of life.

Minister Telemaque welcomed the idea of further collaboration between the two countries.  She particularly spoke about how Seychelles aspires to develop further collaboration with Bangladesh in the field of climate change and Blue Economy.

She acknowledged and recognized the similar difficulties faced by Bangladesh on the effect of climate change and said that Seychelles is open to technical cooperation and exchange in regards to its adaption and mitigation. She added that Seychelles is keen to share experience and Expertise in the fisheries field with the main focus on aquaculture, extending compliments to Bangladesh for the remarkable development in the agriculture sector, particularly in innovative practices and organic farming methods. The interest to negotiate and conclude a Bilateral Air Service agreement between the two countries were also received by Minister Telemaque. Another interest she said is in the tourism sector as Seychelles continues to witness a rise in the number of visitors from Bangladesh, therefore establish and deepen collaboration in the field of Tourism could benefits both countries.

To conclude the meeting Minister Telemaque expressed her appreciation to the officials of both Ministries including the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Consul for Seychelles, for their dedication and commitment in finalizing the Agreement.  Minister Telemaque thanked His Excellency Mr. Imran Ahmad  for his presence in the country towards the implementation of the Agreement, which was in the signing process the same day in the afternoon.

The 3 days visit also comprised of the signing of the Bilateral Labour agreement on 21^st October and a visit to Mr. Ralph Hoareau farm at Anse Royale highlighted in hereunder pictures.

This was the message of the Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status when she visited two establishments in wholesale/retail business recently.  The first visit was to Apex Hotel Supplies Ltd on 15^th March.  The company employs 94 workers including 12 non-Seychellois.  The second company visited was ISPC with 79 workers including 16 non-Seychellois. 

As per usual the Minister interacted with the workers at their workstation providing them the opportunity to freely express their challenges as well as talk about the good practices being implemented by the company they work for.   There were many concerns raised by workers of both businesses that, in the Ministry’s view, could have been dealt with internally to the satisfaction of both parties should there have been proper human resource management set-up in place.  The arrangements are very much fragmented therefore provides no structured channel for the workers to bring out their issues causing them to get discouraged.  The absence of an effective human resource management system to successfully undertake HR planning and implement HR policies may cause a disconnect within the company thus affect employee morale and productivity.  For any business its workforce is one of the most important drivers for growth.  If they do not have an avenue to discuss their issues things build up, the workers get frustrated and the company may end up losing its most valuable asset. 

This is exactly the point that the Minister discussed with management at the end of the tour.  It is the priority action that both companies have been encouraged to undertake so that the other points of worry raised by staff could be strategically resolved.  The Minister took the opportunity to remind the top leaders of both businesses that in order to have a productive workplace there needs to be effective motivational and management strategies in place.  She said that there are some good practices being undertaken by both companies such as discounts on goods purchased at the shop but that those positive aspects are being overshadowed by so much discontentment and mistrust on the part of the workers.  Both companies have so much potential to grow but for that to happen workplace harmony has to prevail. 

The Ministry will continue to work closely with both businesses in order to provide guidance and support so that they are able to move forward.  Officers will undertake follow-up visits within appropriate time to monitor the implementation of the recommendations discussed with management.

The Minister for Employment, Immigration and Civil Status, Miriam Telemaque, visited the Constance Ephelia Hotel and Resorts, as part of her ongoing program to synchronise the partnership between the ministry and the private establishments.

The Minister was accompanied by the Principal Secretary for Employment, Mr. Jules Baker, the Special Advisor for Employment Ms. Veronique Bresson, the Director General for Industrial Relations Mr. Steve Monnaie and other officials from her ministry.

The delegation was lead on a tour of the hotels facilities where they got the chance to interact with the workers in each departments, of which most expressed their general satisfaction with their working conditions. Several issues related to service charge, salary package, and career progression was however raised.

During the debriefing with management, Minister Telemaque commended the establishment for maintaining a status amongst the hotels with more local workers than expatriates and recognized the efforts made to improve the employees work life by providing infrastructures like a kindergarten.

It was recommended that management consider the issues raised by the workers and that they review the remuneration packages that entail different pay grades to better compensate between work experience and education level.  The General Manager, Mr. Stephenne Duchenne, said that it remains the spirit and core values of the Ephelia Group to find different ways and better incentives to retain staffs and create a learning environment to enable both personal development and on the job training.

The meeting closed with the Minister giving the assurance to Mr. Duchene, Mr. Orvilke, and the staffs of Ephelia of her ministry’s support and assurance and to continue the dialogue to find solutions to the challenges raised to improve employee performance and employer relations.

The Ministry of Employment in collaboration with The Guy Morel institute organized its first ever ‘Prepare for Work’ Certificate Presentation Ceremony on Saturday 31^st August 2019 at the Savoy Resort & Spa, Beau Vallon. The ceremony was graced by the 28 participants registered on the Skills Development programme accompanied by their parents and mentors

The ‘’Prepare for work’’ programme is initiated by the Ministry of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status in collaboration with the Guy Morel Institute. The four-month transformation programme focused on our young people to provide them with professional to personal skill so they can be more prepare to enter the world of work.

In her opening speech Mrs. Shella Mohideen Executive Director of - The Guy Morel Institute (TGMI) spoke of the program as a second chance training to give opportunity to the 400 students exiting S5 which require to join the world of work.   She continued by saying that for the first batch of participants it was a transformation journey as the program helped them to change their mindset from Fix to Growth, and the session taught them to recognize that they are unique. She thanked the Ministry of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status for not given up on our youth, the mentors and parents for the continuous support.

In her address The Minister of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status Mrs. Miriam Telemaque congratulated the 28 participants who have successfully completed the programme. Minister Telemaque added that the Ministry is reinvigorating its effort to ease the training of potential jobseekers to not only to secure a job but to remain in employment. She emphasized that more than ever we need to prepare our youth to be resilience so in return our youth can be more equipped with skills, knowledge and the right attitude. The key element is for the young people to be confident, she said.

The Minister assured the youth that the government will always be supportive as its Vision is to see them accomplishing their dreams.

Lastly she thanked the key partner The Guy Morel Institute, staff of the Employment Department, parents and mentors for the continuous support and the participants for their positive attitude.

The ceremony continued by presentation of certificates to the participants by Mrs. Shella Mohideen- Executive Director of TGMI, Principal Secretary of Employment Department Mr. Jules Baker and the Outstanding Effort Award was presented by Minister Telemaque.

Lastly to close the ceremony Ms. Denisha Gamatis a participant in the program shared a few words of thanks to all that have helped them in a way or another to succeed in this first step of their long journey.

For the Outstanding Behavior - Malekh Didon.

For the Outstanding Effort - Isabelle Robert

Souvenir Group Photo

For the Perfect Attendance - Selma Estrale.

To celebrate the two years since the Employment, Immigration and Civil Status departments have joined as a Ministry, a “Fitness Fun Day” was organized by the social welfare committee of the Ministry on Saturday 12^th October 2019 at Mt-Fleuri sports field.

The aim of the activity was to promote fitness and a healthy lifestyle amongst the staff and to create a great team building experience.

Despite the rainy weather in the morning, the staff turned up on the day and were looking forward to participate in the activities. The event took off with a Fitness Fun walk, led by Minister Telemaque, accompanied by the Principal Secretaries, Special Advisor and staff, starting from the Ministry’s office at Independence House at 08.30am via the Mont Fleuri Road until the Mont Fleuri playing field. Before the competition began, everyone present participated in a warm up session with some Zumba moves facilitated by Ms. Williana Dubois from National Sports Council.

Four inter-departmental teams were nominated to compete, and were categorized by color Blue, Pink, Green and Yellow teams.

The day unfolded with different kinds of sporting activities such as football, Volleyball, Netball, Tug of war, Obstacles race, egg and spoon, shuttle relay and also our traditional game such as Domino and “Lake mimi.”

The officers from the Ministry of Health were present on site to assist with general health queries.  The staff took the opportunity to do basic, check-up such as blood pressure, Body Mass Index (BMI) and sugar level.

The event ended with a prize giving ceremony, presented by Minister Miriam Telemaque and the Human Resources section.

The winner of the day 1^st position was the Blue Team, 2^nd Pink team, 3^rd Green team and Yellow team in the 4^th position.

The Commonwealth of Learning (COL), working in partnership with the Brunei Darussalam Government is offering Masters’ Degree scholarships to Seychellois preferably working in Higher Education Institutions or Departments of Higher Education.

The scholarship awards are available to study a Masters' Degree for one or two years on a full-time basis. The scholarship awards are available for programmes commencing in July/August 2015 in three participating institutions in Brunei Darussalam:

University Brunei Darussalam (UBD);

University Islam Sultan Sharif Ali (UNISSA) and;

Institute Technology Brunei (ITB)

Tuition fees and other compulsory school fees, one return economy air ticket, allowances and accommodation are covered in each scholarship. For specific details on the terms and conditions of the scholarship, click here. The entry requirements and the application form can also be found on this link.

To be eligible you must:

• Be 35 years or below by 31st July 2015
• Have the written support of your Vice-Chancellors, Presidents or equivalent institutional heads;
• Demonstrate how the degree obtained will help progress your personal and professional development;
• Must have written endorsement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Applicants are invited to follow the application procedures directly with the Brunei Darussalam Government as stated on the Application Form and to submit a copy of the complete application package to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. at COL.

Deadline for sending applications is the 26th January 2015. For more information kindly contact ANHRD on 4423300.

A.    Aux Pins          18/07/11             1.30pm                Community Centre

Anse Royale            20/07/11             1.30pm                Community Centre

Pte Larue                22/07/11             1.30pm                Community Centre

Ministry of Education, Employment and Human Resources
Employment Department
09.03.11

PRESS RELEASE

A one day workshop organised in partnership with ILO was held on Wednesday 9th of March at 0900hrs at the STC Conference Room to open discussions on finalizing the review of the National Employment Act 1995. Ms. Angelika Muller, a labour law expert from the ILO headquarters Geneva was present to facilitate the workshop.  

The main purpose of the workshop was mainly to provide technical assistance to the Employment Department in the reviewing of the National Employment Act 1995.  Furthermore, the workshop provided Employment Department with the opportunity to discuss with relevant stakeholders the comments made by the ILO on proposals that was formulated by the National Committee so that the Committee can press forward with the finalization of the review.

“The review may also offer opportunities for Seychelles to ratify other relevant ILO Conventions in compliance with international labour standards and supporting the cause for equitable and fair terms and conditions of employment for all in the employment and labour sector” said the Principal Secretary for Employment Department Mrs. Marina Confait during her opening address. 

Present were various stakeholders invited to participate in the workshop namely the National Assembly, Members of the Bars Association, representatives of employers and employees, NGOs, social partners and others.

Editor’s note: Seychelles became a member of the ILO in 1977, the relationship can be described as a fruitful one and the technical assistance for the reviewing of the National Employment Act 1995 is one of plethora of the benefits that the Employment Department has gained from the ILO.