On this World Day Against Trafficking in Persons, the Republic of Seychelles stands in solidarity with the international community in reaffirming our collective commitment to eradicating one of the most egregious violations of human rights human trafficking.
The 2025 theme, “Human Trafficking is Organized Crime – End the Exploitation,” underscores the complex and systemic nature of this crime. Trafficking in persons is not an isolated occurrence; it is frequently orchestrated by sophisticated criminal networks that transcend borders and, alarmingly, infiltrate our own communities.
Human trafficking constitutes modern-day slavery. It manifests in various forms, including sexual exploitation, forced labour, domestic servitude, child trafficking, and organ trafficking. Regrettably, this is not a distant issue, it is a pressing national concern.
In Seychelles, we are witnessing a troubling rise in trafficking-related activities. As of June 2024, four active cases are before the Supreme Court, involving 31 Seychellois citizens from diverse backgrounds. This represents the highest number of such cases recorded within a comparable timeframe. A landmark conviction in November 2024, involving both minor and adult victims, further affirms the presence and severity of this crime within our jurisdiction.
Moreover, we are observing a disturbing trend wherein Seychellois men are being exploited abroad under the pretext of acting as guarantors in drug trafficking operations. Simultaneously, migrant workers in Seychelles continue to face exploitative labour conditions, often with limited avenues for redress.
It is imperative to dispel the misconception that trafficking only involves foreign nationals or cross-border movement. Trafficking can and does occur domestically. Vulnerability, whether due to poverty, unemployment, addiction, emotional dependency, or age, is the primary risk factor. Victims are often manipulated through deception and coercion, without the need for physical restraint.
As the Ministry responsible for leading the national response to trafficking in persons, we reaffirm our unwavering commitment to strengthening legislative and enforcement mechanisms, enhancing victim support and protection services and promoting inter-agency coordination among law enforcement, the judiciary, and civil society.
However, the success of our efforts depends on the vigilance and engagement of every citizen. We urge the public to remain informed, observant, and proactive. If you suspect exploitation, report it. Your action could save a life. Let us stand united in dismantling trafficking networks, safeguarding the vulnerable, and building a Seychelles where every individual can live in dignity, safety, and freedom.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs had the honour of receiving H.E. Mr. Zokey Ahad, High Commissioner-designate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles, accompanied by Mr. Md. Jahangir Alam, First Secretary (Political) and Head of Chancery at the Bangladesh High Commission in Mauritius, during a courtesy call. Discussions focused on enhancing diplomatic relations between Seychelles and Bangladesh.
H.E. Mr. Ahad also shared the positive feedback he has received from Bangladeshi nationals currently working in Seychelles, who have expressed appreciation for the welcoming environment and opportunities provided to them.
The Ministry values this continued engagement and looks forward to further strengthening the bonds of friendship and collaboration between the two nations.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs warmly welcomed Rear Admiral Michael S. Mattis, Director, Strategic Effects, Commander U.S. Naval Forces Europe/Africa Commander, and his delegation.
The meeting, which was attended by Heads of Departments from across the Ministry, served as an opportunity to strengthen collaboration and reaffirm the partnership between Seychelles and the United States in promoting maritime security and regional stability.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs has formally launched the National Tsunami Ready Board, marking a significant milestone in the country’s commitment to enhancing coastal resilience and disaster preparedness.
The ceremony featured the official presentation of appointment letters by the Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, to the newly nominated Board members. The establishment of the Board falls under the Disaster Risk Management Act, 2014, and reflects the Government’s ongoing efforts to institutionalize disaster risk reduction through structured coordination and oversight.
In his address, Minister Fonseka extended his congratulations and appreciation to the board members for their willingness to take on this critical responsibility. He emphasized the importance of their respective institutions ranging from meteorology and disaster management to policing, coastal development, and emergency response in driving forward national tsunami preparedness. The Minister urged members to translate policy into action and foster a culture of readiness not only for tsunamis but also for other hazards such as cyclones, storm surges, and coastal threats.
The Seychelles National Tsunami Ready Board will serve as the principal national oversight body for the implementation of the UNESCO Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC)’s Tsunami Ready Recognition Programme. The Programme is a performance-based initiative that enhances community-level preparedness through clear indicators, collaborative planning, and capacity building.
Key responsibilities of the Board include:
- Providing strategic direction and national coordination on tsunami preparedness initiatives;
- Supporting the long-term implementation of the Tsunami Ready Programme across Seychelles’ coastal communities;
- Reviewing and endorsing local applications for Tsunami Ready recognition prior to international submission;
- Promoting sustainable risk reduction practices and institutional collaboration.
Seychelles' commitment to the IOC Tsunami Ready Programme is guided by UNESCO-IOC Manual 74: Tsunami Ready Community Recognition and supported through the Indian Ocean Tsunami Warning and Mitigation System (IOTWMS).
As a Small Island Developing State (SIDS), Seychelles is especially vulnerable to ocean-related hazards. The launch of this board represents a proactive step towards building resilience and ensuring that communities are better prepared to respond to and recover from future threats.
Members of the newly appointed Seychelles National Tsunami Ready Board are as follows:
- Mr. Robert Ernesta, Director General, Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD)
- Mr. Vincent Amelie, Chief Executive Officer, Seychelles Meteorological Authority (SMA)
- Mr. Cyril Bonnelame, Chief Executive Officer, Islands Development Company (IDC)
- Major Gerald Wong-Pool, Director, National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC)
- Mr. Peter Estico, Head of Emergency Section, Ministry of Local Government and Community Affairs
The Government of Seychelles, in partnership with the People’s Republic of China and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), held the official signing and symbolic launch of the Transformative Integrated Adaptation and Early Warning System (TIAWES) Project.
The ceremony, held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, marked the formal commencement of this important initiative through the signing of the project document by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka on behalf of the Government of Seychelles, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China Lin Nan, and the UNDP Resident Representative Ms. Amanda Serumaga.
With a total funding allocation of USD 2,049,530, the TIAWES Project will be implemented by the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD) under the Ministry of Internal Affairs. It aims to strengthen national resilience through the development of integrated early warning systems, enhanced institutional coordination, community preparedness, and improved access to risk data for informed decision-making.
This initiative supports Seychelles’ national priorities under the Disaster Risk Reduction Strategic Action Plan (2021–2030) and contributes to the global Early Warnings for All (EW4ALL) initiative.
The Ministry expresses its appreciation to all partners involved for their continued commitment to strengthening disaster risk governance and climate resilience in Seychelles. The signing was also attended by the Minister for Agriculture, Climate Change and Energy, Mr. Favien Joubert, as well as the Director General of the Disaster Risk Management Division (DRMD), Mr. Robert Ernesta, and other distinguished guests.
The Minister of Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, led a high-level delegation on an official visit to the Bonne Espoire High Security Prison on Tuesday, 15th July 2025. He was joined by the Minister of Employment and Social Affairs, Mrs. Patricia Francourt, the Commissioner of Seychelles Prison Services (SPS), Mrs. Janet George, and the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ted Barbe.
The visit showcased the final stages of completion of the new high-security facility, which is scheduled to open at the end of July 2025. Once operational, the prison will accommodate up to 20 high-risk inmates in its initial phase, with future expansion planned.
This development marks a significant milestone in Seychelles’ correctional system. The facility introduces a structured approach to inmate classification and separation based on risk levels, enhancing security and improving rehabilitation and management practices. The design includes wheelchair-accessible cells, visitor rooms, and scheduled outdoor time to support inmates’ wellbeing.
Following the tour, the delegation held discussions with the SPS leadership team, focusing on strengthening inter-ministerial collaboration, particularly in the area of rehabilitation and reintegration. These programmes aim to provide inmates with vocational training, education, and psychosocial support to prepare them for successful reintegration into society.
Minister Francourt emphasized, “The partnership between our Ministries is essential. Rehabilitation and reintegration require coordinated efforts, especially in preparing inmates for life beyond prison.”
Minister Fonseka added, “By working closely with Seychelles Prison Services, we can implement systems that not only maintain security but also give inmates a real opportunity for reform and reintegration.”
Commissioner of Police Mr. Ted Barbe also expressed his support, highlighting the importance of secure and rehabilitative correctional environments in maintaining national safety and social cohesion.
The Seychelles Citizen Corridor is Officially Open!
On 4th July 2025, the Seychelles Citizens Corridor was officially launched at the Seychelles International Airport a major step forward in enhancing the arrival experience for Seychellois citizens and accredited diplomats.
The launch began with a press conference where key stakeholders outlined the project’s technical features and benefits, including faster clearance times, reduced congestion, and a more seamless welcome home for our citizens.
The event featured remarks by the Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, who highlighted the government’s vision to modernize border services. In his address, he stated:
“The Citizen Corridor is a contactless border clearance procedure which catapults Seychelles to the forefront of travel facilitation in the African region... Citizens will bypass immigration counters as all verification is completed ahead of their arrival.”
The symbolic ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by Minister Fonseka and Minister for Transport, Mr. Anthony Derjacques, followed by a live demonstration by Immigration Officers showcasing how the corridor works with automated checks, dedicated signage, and prioritized access.
This achievement reflects strong collaboration across agencies including Immigration, Customs, Police, Health, and the Seychelles Airports Authority, and builds on the success of the Seychelles Electronic Border System (SEBS).
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all partners and stakeholders who made this vision a reality.
The Citizens Corridor is more than a project it is a promise to our people for faster, smarter, and citizen-focused public service.
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