Seychelles Achieves Tier 1 Status in 2025 U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report
The Government of Seychelles proudly announces that once again Seychelles has been ranked Tier 1 in the 2025 United States Department of State Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report. This marks the third consecutive year Seychelles has achieved the highest ranking, underscoring the nation’s steadfast commitment to protecting human rights and combating human trafficking in all its forms.
This recognition reflects Seychelles’ proactive and sustained actions to strengthen its national response to trafficking in persons. In advance of the 2025 report, the Government addressed several key recommendations made in earlier assessments, including:
· Providing translators and interpretation services to ensure foreign victims have equal access to justice and protection.
· Establishing a multi-agency task force, composed of Immigration, Employment, and Police officials, which has significantly increased routine inspections to detect and deter trafficking.
· Strengthening coordination between agencies to improve victim protection and streamline prosecution processes.
· Delivering comprehensive training to over 100 social workers, mental health professionals, and frontline officers to better equip them in identifying and assisting victims.
· Introducing exemptions to remove the required fee for migrant workers filing complaints with the Labour Tribunal, thereby improving access to justice.
· Allocating dedicated police and Attorney General’s units to vigorously investigate and prosecute trafficking crimes.
· As of 2025, providing new government funding for victim services, ensuring sustainable resources for long-term support.
In 2024 and2025, Seychelles also recorded a rise in cases involving Seychellois victims of trafficking. Dedicated resources have been allocated to ensure their well-being and protection. This development highlights that trafficking in persons is not a crime affecting only foreign nationals but also one that threatens Seychellois citizens cementing the Government’s determination to safeguard all members of its society.
Alongside these measures, Seychelles is nearing completion of important legislative reforms, including amendments to existing immigration and employment laws as well as the introduction of the forthcoming Smuggling of Migrants Bill. These measures will further reinforce the country’s legal framework, ensuring both stronger safeguards for potential victims and stricter accountability for traffickers.
The Government extends its sincere appreciation to the Trafficking In Persons (TIP) Secretariat, as well as to its dedicated national and international partners, whose collaboration has been vital in achieving this standard for the third year in a row.
Director of Trafficking in Persons, Ms. Michelle Sabury, stated:
“Tier 1 status is not perfection nor a final destination; it is proof of accountability and progress in our daily commitment to protect, prevent, pursue justice, and strengthen partnerships. This recognition is the result of tireless teamwork and I extend heartfelt thanks to all stakeholders, government agencies, civil society, international partners and frontline officers whose dedication has made this achievement possible.”
Minister for Internal Affairs, Mr. Charles Fonseka, emphasized:
“This recognition is a proud moment for Seychelles and a testament to our collective determination to protect the most vulnerable members of our society. We remain fully committed to ensuring that the fight against human trafficking continues to be a national priority, guided by strong laws, effective enforcement and the spirit of partnership.”
Seychelles reaffirms its determination to build on this success, sustaining efforts in prevention, protection and prosecution to ensure the country remains a safe and resilient society against human trafficking.To see the full report please click the following: https://www.state.gov/.../2025-trafficking-in.../seychelles/