The Seychelles government will reintroduce the Unemployment Relief Scheme (URS) in January 2026, following approval by Cabinet.
The government has allocated SCR 6.7m to the programme, which aims to support vulnerable groups through temporary work placements that focus on skills development and employability.
The Ministry of Employment and Human Resource Planning will administer the scheme through a dedicated URS Unit within its Employment Promotion Division. The unit will manage enrolment, monitor participants and provide guidance and counselling with support from psychologists and counsellors.
Each year, the programme will take in up to 250 participants for six-month placements. The ministry may extend placements after a review. Participants will train in areas linked to their preferred field of employment.
Full-time participants will receive a monthly allowance of SCR 6,388.20, which matches the minimum wage. The government will cover 70% of the allowance, while employers will pay the remaining 30%. The allowance will be tax-free and will not include pension contributions, as it does not qualify as a salary.
The scheme will also offer part-time placements, with participants working up to 24 hours a week. The ministry will calculate allowances based on the minimum hourly wage. The government said this option will support people, including persons with disabilities, who cannot work full-time but want to gain skills and work experience.
Cabinet has approved the eligibility criteria, enrolment process and operational framework for the scheme. It has also approved new legislation and regulations to give legal effect to the URS.
The government said the URS Unit will track progress throughout the placements and support participants as they move into permanent employment at the end of the programme.