OIM - Migration in Seychelles - A Country Profile 2024 de 2025

Migration in Seychelles

A COUNTRY PROFILE 2024

Migration in the Republic of Azerbaijan A COUNTRY PROFILE 2013–2021 Migration in Seychelles

A COUNTRY PROFILE 2024

SEYCHELLES

CO MORO S

MADA GA SCAR

KENYA

UNITED

REPUBLIC OF TANZ ANIA MO ZA MB IQUEThe opinions expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout the publication do not imply expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of IOM concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning its frontiers or boundaries. IOM is committed to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. As an intergovernmental organization, IOM acts with its partners in the international community to: assist in meeting the operational challenges of migration; advance understanding of migration issues; encourage social and economic development through migration; and uphold the human dignity and well-being of migrants. _____________________________ This publication was made possible through support provided by European Union (EU), under the terms of the Southern African Migration Management (SAMM) Project.

Publisher: International Organization for Migration

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Website: www.iom.int The maps used in this Migration Profile, including on the cover, are for illustration purposes only.

The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on the maps do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the International Organization for Migration.

Required citation: International Organization for Migration (IOM), 2025. Migration in Seychelles: A

Country Profile 2024. IOM, Port Louis. _____________________________

ISBN 978-92-9278-040-1 (PDF)

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PUB2025/008/ELMigration in Seychelles

A COUNTRY PROFILE 2024iii

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

CONTENTS List of tables and figures........................................................................................................................... v Foreword.......................................................................................................................................................vii Acknowledgements.................................................................................................................................viii Abbreviations and acronyms..................................................................................................................ix Glossary..........................................................................................................................................................xi Map of Seychelles.....................................................................................................................................xiv Key country statistics...............................................................................................................................xv Executive summary.................................................................................................................................xvii PART A: Migration trends and characteristics................................................................................1 A.1. Migration to Seychelles.........................................................................................................1 A.1.1. Temporary migration...............................................................................................1 A.1.2. International students..............................................................................................4 A.1.3. Labour migration.......................................................................................................5 A.1.4. Permanent residents............................................................................................. 13 A.2. Irregular migration............................................................................................................... 16 A.3. Prohibited migrants............................................................................................................. 18

A.4. Maritime migration.............................................................................................................. 20 A.5. Emigration and return migration................................................................................... 20

PART B: Impacts of migration............................................................................................................. 23

B.1. Migration, population change and human development...................................... 23 B.2. Migration and economic development........................................................................ 26 B.2.1. Tourism........................................................................................................................ 26 B.2.2. Fisheries....................................................................................................................... 28 B.2.3. Remittances............................................................................................................... 31 B.3. Migration, employment and the labour market...................................................... 32 B.4. Migration, social development and health.................................................................. 39 B.5. Migration and the environment...................................................................................... 44 B.6. Migration and maritime security.................................................................................... 46

PART C: Migration governance.......................................................................................................... 49

C.1. National legal instruments............................................................................................... 49 C.1.1. Visitors and international students................................................................. 50 C.1.2. Prohibited immigrants.......................................................................................... 51 C.1.3. Labour migration.................................................................................................... 52 C.1.4. Diaspora engagement........................................................................................... 62 C.1.5. Human trafficking and human rights.............................................................. 63 C.1.6. Migration and maritime security...................................................................... 65 C.1.7. Migration and development in Seychelles.................................................... 66 C.2. Regional instruments.......................................................................................................... 68 C.3. Continental instruments................................................................................................... 70iv

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

C.4. International normative framework............................................................................. 72 C.5. Institutional frameworks................................................................................................... 76 C.5.1. National migration governance ....................................................................... 76 C.5.2. Regional and continental migration governance....................................... 81 C.6. International cooperation on migration issues....................................................... 83

PART D: Main findings and recommendations............................................................................ 85

D.1. Migration governance institutional framework ...................................................... 85 D.1.1. Establish and strengthen collaboration between government stakeholders through the National Migration Technical Working Group..................................................................................................... 86

PART D: Main findings and recommendations............................................................................ 85

D.1. Migration governance institutional framework ...................................................... 85 D.1.1. Establish and strengthen collaboration between government stakeholders through the National Migration Technical Working Group..................................................................................................... 86 D.1.2. Review and update relevant migration-related instruments .............. 86 D.1.3. Contribute to the development of regional and national migration policies.................................................................................................. 87 D.1.4. Address irregular migration in the country................................................ 87 D.1.5. Undertake assessments of migration issues of concern to Seychelles............................................................................................................ 87 D.2. Mainstreaming migration into development policy............................................... 88 D.2.1. Mainstream migration into national development plans and agendas ............................................................................................................ 88 D.2.2. Identify capacity and resource needs linked to migration-and-development activities.......................................................... 89 D.2.3. Enhance activities to harness the development potential of migration............................................................................................................. 89 D.2.4. Ensure regular monitoring of migration-related commitments linked to the Sustainable Development Goals and the Global Compact for Migration....................................................................................... 89 D.3. Migration statistics in Seychelles.................................................................................... 90 D.3.1. Establish a migration statistics committee ................................................. 91 D.3.2. Strengthen the capacities of resources needed to manage migration................................................................................................................... 92 D.3.3. Develop an annual migration statistics report.......................................... 93 Annex. Key international instruments............................................................................................. 94 Bibliography................................................................................................................................................. 95v

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

LIST OF TABLES AND FIGURES

Table 1. International visitors in Seychelles, by purpose and region of origin, 2014–2023...........................................................................................................................2 Table 2. Tourists in Seychelles, by region of origin, 2019 and 2020.............................3 Table 3. Registered companies operating in the ITZ, 2023.............................................9

2014–2023...........................................................................................................................2 Table 2. Tourists in Seychelles, by region of origin, 2019 and 2020.............................3 Table 3. Registered companies operating in the ITZ, 2023.............................................9 Table 4. Seychellois and non‑Seychellois working in ITZ-licensed companies, 2023..................................................................................................................................... 10 Table 5. Immigrants married to Seychellois, by sex, 2015–2023................................ 15 Table 6. Trafficking in persons in Seychelles, 2018–2022............................................... 17 Table 7. Prohibited immigrants, by ground, 2012, 2017 and 2023............................ 19 Table 8. Annual number of prohibited immigrants, 2012, 2017 and 2023............ 19 Table 9. Total resident population, by sex, 2014–2023.................................................. 23 Table 10. Resident Seychellois and non‑Seychellois populations, 2022 and 2023..... 23 Table 11. Total resident population and population growth rate, 2014–2023....... 25 Table 12. Annual GDP of the fisheries sector and its related manufacturing sector, 2018–2021......................................................................................................... 29 Table 13. Foreign fishing licence arrangements, fees and duration............................... 29 Table 14. Total employment, by sector, 2014–2022........................................................... 33 Table 15. International institutional support for Seychelles during the COVID-19 pandemic........................................................................................... 43 Table 16. Income tax brackets in Seychelles.......................................................................... 44 Table 17. National migration instruments............................................................................... 49 Table 18. Labour quotas, by category....................................................................................... 59 Table 19. Intervention areas of the National Action Plan to Address Trafficking in Persons, 2022–2026.......................................................................... 63 Table 20. Regional migration instruments............................................................................... 68

Table 18. Labour quotas, by category....................................................................................... 59 Table 19. Intervention areas of the National Action Plan to Address Trafficking in Persons, 2022–2026.......................................................................... 63 Table 20. Regional migration instruments............................................................................... 68 Table 21. African Union migration instruments.................................................................... 70 Table 22. Ratification status of international instruments on migration.................... 72 Table 23. Migration indicators lacking data from Seychelles........................................... 74 Table 24. Committees handling migration issues in Seychelles...................................... 80 Figure 1. Total immigrant applications, 2014–2023...............................................................2 Figure 2. Tertiary student permits issued, by student’s region of origin, 2020–2023 period total.................................................................................................4 Figure 3. Work permits issued, by type, 2014–2023...........................................................5 Figure 4. GOP applications, by applicant’s sex, 2014–2023..............................................6 Figure 5. GOP applications, by applicant’s nationality, 2014 to October 2023........7 Figure 6. New, renewed and cancelled GOP applications, 2014–October 2023.......8 Figure 7. New, renewed and cancelled ITZ work permit applications, 2014–October 2023.................................................................................................... 11 Figure 8. ITZ work permit applications, by sex, 2014–October 2023...................... 11vi

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

Figure 9. Priority workers in Seychelles, by sex, 2015–2023......................................... 12 Figure 10. Investors in Seychelles, 2015–2023........................................................................ 13 Figure 11. Permanent residence through marriage, 2015–2023..................................... 14 Figure 12. Regions of origin of non‑Seychellois married to Seychellois, by sex, 2014–2023 totals .......................................................................................................... 15 Figure 13.

Figure 11. Permanent residence through marriage, 2015–2023..................................... 14 Figure 12. Regions of origin of non‑Seychellois married to Seychellois, by sex, 2014–2023 totals .......................................................................................................... 15 Figure 13. Resident population pyramid, 2010 ...................................................................... 24 Figure 14. Resident population pyramid, 2023....................................................................... 25 Figure 15. Contributions of the tourism sector to the economy and society......... 27 Figure 16. Interventions to increase Seychellois participation in the tourism sector.................................................................................................................................. 28 Figure 17. Total catch, Seychellesand non-Seychelles-flagged vessels........................ 30 Figure 18. Outbound remittances, 2013–2022...................................................................... 32 Figure 19. Unemployment rate in Seychelles, by sex, 2016–2020................................. 36 Figure 20. Youth unemployment rate, 2016–2020............................................................... 37 Figure 21. COVID-19 deaths per 100,000 population in selected countries, 2020–June 2022.............................................................................................................. 40 Figure 22. Transmission challenges for the potential socioeconomic impacts of COVID-19 in Seychelles........................................................................................ 41 Figure 23. The Seychelles exclusive economic zone............................................................. 47 Figure 24. Global Compact for Migration objectives........................................................... 75vii

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

FOREWORD This Migration Profile for Seychelles is the second of its kind, providing updated details on migration issues that have evolved since 2014. The updated report reflects on changing migration trends and patterns while taking stock of the impact of migration on population, labour and the environment, among others. It provides an analysis of some of the changes that have taken place in migration trends and patterns to, within and from Seychelles, as well as developments in migration policy and governance. The Migration Profile continues to be a primary

the impact of migration on population, labour and the environment, among others. It provides an analysis of some of the changes that have taken place in migration trends and patterns to, within and from Seychelles, as well as developments in migration policy and governance. The Migration Profile continues to be a primary source of reliable data and information relating to migration to, within and from Seychelles. This revised Migration Profile provides insights into the characteristics of migration in Seychelles, reflecting on the changing economic, social, political and environmental issues since 2014 that influence migration patterns. It therefore reflects on shifts in migration patterns, as well as in government response in terms of policies, laws and legislation as guided by regional, continental and global migration-related instruments. The exercise has revealed that migration continues to have a positive impact on the country, but that there is still limited data and research on key migration patterns. In addition, the Migration Profile has identified a number of stakeholders in the area of migration, from the local to the national level, that can engage effectively with key State actors engaged in migration issues. To address some of the identified gaps, the Migration Profile puts forward recommendations aimed at strengthening the migration governance framework, including establishing a National Migration Technical Working Group that can eventually grow into a coordination mechanism for migration that brings together State and non-State actors.

Migration Profile in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024 is funded by the Southern African Migration Management (SAMM) Project, which is coordinated by the IOM Regional Office for Southern Africa. The exercise brought together experts and stakeholders at the national level to share perspectives on migration to, within and from Seychelles. This Migration Profile would not be possible without the continued cooperation, contribution and participation of the Government of Seychelles, the National Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Immigration

and Civil Status. Alia Hirji Chief of Mission IOM Mauritius and Seychellesviii

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Government of Seychelles would like to thank IOM for its continued support, specifically for this 2024 update of the Migration Profile of Seychelles (“Migration Profile of Seychelles 2024”), and the European Union for funding the report through the Southern African Migration Management (SAMM) Project. In addition, the Government of Seychelles acknowledges the unwavering commitment of various State and non-State actors that participated in preparing the Migration Profile of Seychelles 2024, including the Association for Rights, Information and Democracy, the Central Bank of Seychelles, Citizens Engagement Platform Seychelles, the Department of Employment of the Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs, the Financial Services Authority, the General Employer Trade Union of Seychelles, the National Bureau of Statistics, the Department of Immigration and Civil Status of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Seychelles Human Rights Commission, Apostolat de la Mer (a non-governmental organization), the Trafficking in Persons Secretariat and the University of Seychelles. This work would not have been possible without the remarkable commitment of the IOM Mauritius Country Office with Coordinating Function for Seychelles (“IOM Mauritius and Seychelles”). Special thanks are due Ms Alia Hirji, Chief of Mission of IOM Mauritius and Seychelles, for her commitment, passion, dedication and support. Prof. Linda Oucho IOM Mauritius and Seychellesix

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS BLA bilateral labour agreement CBS

Central Bank of Seychelles COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa CSO civil society organization DOS Department of State (United States) EEZ exclusive economic zone FSA Financial Services Authority GOP gainful occupational permit ICS Department of Immigration and Civil Status ILO International Labour Organization IOC Indian Ocean Commission ITZ International Trade Zone MESA Ministry of Employment and Social Affairs MPFA Migration Policy Framework for Africa NBS National Bureau of Statistics NDP Seychelles National Development Plan (2019–2023) NLMP National Labour Migration Policy

NMDTWG

National Migration Data Technical Working Group PCR polymerase chain reaction REC regional economic community SADC Southern African Development Community SAMM Southern Africa Migration Management SCR Seychellois rupee

SDG(s)

Sustainable Development Goal(s) SFA Seychelles Fishing Authorityx

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

SIB Seychelles Investment Board TIP Secretariat Trafficking in Persons Secretariat UNCTAD United Nations Conference on Trade and Development UNODC United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime USD United States dollar VoT victim of traffickingxi

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

GLOSSARY diaspora Emigrants from Seychelles who were born in the country and their descendants, regardless of their respective current citizenships, who maintain an affinity for Seychelles and remain interested in contributing to its well-being from abroad. National Diaspora Policy 2024–2029 (Government of Seychelles and IOM, 2024:iii and 4) presumed victim of trafficking A person in respect of whom there are reasons to believe that they are a victim of trafficking in persons, whether or not the perpetrator has been identified, apprehended, prosecuted or convicted. Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Act (2014) (National Assembly of Seychelles,

reasons to believe that they are a victim of trafficking in persons, whether or not the perpetrator has been identified, apprehended, prosecuted or convicted. Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Act (2014) (National Assembly of Seychelles, 2014a:sec. 24(3)) gainful occupation A state of carrying on or being employed in a profession, trade, business or other vocation for gain or reward (also, “gainfully occupied”). Immigration Decree (1981), Part I(2) (Government of Seychelles, 1981:sec. 2) investor Non‑Seychellois who has invested an equivalent in Seychellois rupees of not less than USD 1 million and has been a legal resident in Seychelles for a period of not less than one year. A Quick Guide to the New Seychelles Immigration Rules (Seychelles, Department of Immigration and Civil Status (ICS), 2013:10) non‑Seychellois student A person who has lived a period of at least five years and has studied up to the secondary level in Seychelles or has graduated from a university and has been employed for at most two years on a Gainful Occupation Permit. A Quick Guide to the New Seychelles Immigration Rules (Ibid.:3)xii Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024 organized criminal group A structured group, existing for a period, of three or more persons acting in concert with the aim of committing one or more serious offences, including trafficking in persons, in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit. Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Act (2014) (National Assembly of Seychelles, 2014a:sec. 24(3)) priority worker

trafficking in persons, in order to obtain, directly or indirectly, a financial or other material benefit. Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Act (2014) (National Assembly of Seychelles, 2014a:sec. 24(3)) priority worker A non‑Seychellois national who has resided in Seychelles as a legal resident for an aggregate period of not less than five years. Seychelles National Labour Migration Policy (Seychelles, Department of Employment, 2019:sec. 2.5) prohibited immigrant Any person who is infected or inflicted with or is a carrier of a prescribed disease and who is capable or likely to become capable of infecting any other person with such disease or of transmitting to them such disease. Any prostitute or person who, in Seychelles, has knowingly lived whole or in part on earnings from prostitution or has procured any other person for immoral purposes. Any person who, under any law in force at a given time, is deported or removed from, required to leave, or prohibited from entering or remaining within Seychelles. Immigration Decree (1981), Section 19 (Government of Seychelles, 1981:sec. 19)xiii Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024 seafarer Any person, including a shipmaster, who is employed or engaged or works in any capacity on board a ship. Maritime Law Convention (2006) Merchant Shipping Act (Maritime Labour Convention Regulations) (2014) (International Labour Organization (ILO), 2006:art. II(1)(f); National Assembly of Seychelles, 2014b:sec. 2(1)) victim of trafficking A person who has been subjected to trafficking in persons. Prohibition of

Labour Organization (ILO), 2006:art. II(1)(f); National Assembly of Seychelles, 2014b:sec. 2(1)) victim of trafficking A person who has been subjected to trafficking in persons. Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons Act (2014) (National Assembly of Seychelles, 2014a:sec. 24(3))xiv

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

MAP OF SEYCHELLES

Source: Nations Online Project, 2024.

Note: This map is for illustration purposes only. The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply official endorsement or acceptance by the International Organization for Migration.xv

Migration in Seychelles: A Country Profile 2024

KEY COUNTRY STATISTICS Geography Total land area: 456.6 sq km Human and social development 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Life expectancy at birth, yearsa 73 74 77 74 68.9 (males) 77.8 (females) 74.7 Adult literacy rate, % (among the population aged 15 and above)b n.d. n.d. 96 n.d. n.d. n.d. School enrolment sex ratio, %c 100 100 101 99 n.d. n.d. GDP per capita, (PPP), USD 000sd 18 440 19 141 14 035 14 931 17 167 n.d. Human Development Index

(HDI)e

0.801 0.808 0.799 0.795 0.802 n.d. Remittances and other financial flows 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Remittance inflows, USD millionsf 22.71 23.64 9.97 9.51 10.04 11.42 Remittance outflows, USD millionsf 74.89

2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Remittance inflows, USD millionsf 22.71 23.64 9.97 9.51 10.04 11.42 Remittance outflows, USD millionsf 74.89 73.36 44.86 48.91 61.47 59.78 Remittance flows (net outflows), USD millionsf 52.18 49.72 34.89 39.4 51.43 48.36 Foreign direct in