Seychelles Cabinet, chaired by President Dr. Patrick Herminie, has approved a series of reforms in education, social benefits, public service, governance, and disaster management during meetings held from 10 to 19 November. The key measures approved are:
- Education: Cabinet approved deferring the implementation of secondary school reforms for review. It also approved that the Ministry of Education submit a proposal for primary education reform.
- Scholarships: Cabinet approved revised stipends for government-sponsored students, reflecting post-pandemic living costs. The new rates will take effect on 1 January 2026.
- Social Measures: Cabinet approved the reintroduction of the STC Card Programme, financial support for registered day care services, and continued reduced bus fares for eligible groups. The Ministry of Transport will propose ways to extend reduced fares to more commuters.
- Social Security: Cabinet approved a gradual increase in retirement benefits to SR 10,000 by 2029, starting with an SR 800 increase from 1 January 2026. It also approved lowering the retirement age from 65 to 63.
- Employment Benefits: Cabinet approved restoring the full 13th month salary for eligible workers from January 2026. It also approved reinstatement and revision of key public sector allowances, including performance allowances, annual gratuity, long service allowance, and continuous service gratuity.
- Tourism: Cabinet approved exempting small tourism establishments from the Tourism Environmental Sustainability Levy (TESL) from 1 January 2026.
- Disaster and Emergency Management: Cabinet approved the establishment of temporary national emergency management arrangements to ensure continuous coordination while the permanent National Emergency Operations Centre (NEOC) is being developed. The Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) will serve as the central coordination hub, supported by an active national emergency number (160), a national emergency log, and a structured command system using existing ICT and institutional resources. Cabinet also approved establishing the Department of Risk and Disaster Management under the Vice-President, elevating its head to Principal Secretary to improve coordination, oversight of donor-funded programs, and alignment with international standards.
- Legislation: Cabinet approved several bills, including the Mental Health Care Agency Bill, NISTI Bill, Prevention of Drug Abuse and Rehabilitation Agency Bill, Fair Administrative Bill, and amendments to the Public Persons asset declaration law.
- Governance: Cabinet approved continued Seychelles membership in the Open Government Partnership (OGP) to support transparency and good governance.
In a statement, State House affirms that these approvals aim to strengthen governance, improve public services, support citizens, and enhance national disaster preparedness in Seychelles.