Cabinet approves a number of legal and policy memoranda |27 June 2025
Cabinet approves a number of legal and policy memoranda
President Wavel Ramkalawan chaired a scheduled meeting of the Cabinet on Wednesday June 25, in which a number of legal and policy memoranda were approved.
Cabinet approved the proposed amendments to the Business Tax (Exemption Order) S.I. 13 of 2025. These include changing the commencement date to January 1, 2024 and amending Section 3 to improve clarity and interpretation.
Cabinet also approved the inclusion of ‘warehousing and storage of fish’ as an eligible economic activity under the Blue Economy sector. The amendments align implementation with the original policy intent announced in the 2024 national budget and support investment in priority sectors.
Cabinet approved the recommendation by the Ministry of Finance, National Planning and Trade for the Government to repurchase the shares held by the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Agence Française de Développement (AFD) in the Development Bank of Seychelles (DBS).
Cabinet approved the proposed amendments to the VAT Act, Excise Tax Act, and Business Tax Act to reflect the restructuring of the Seychelles Civil Aviation Authority (SCAA) and the creation of the Seychelles Airports Authority (SAA). The amendments will ensure that tax legislation accurately aligns with the transfer of operational functions and maintains compliance with the updated institutional framework.
Cabinet approved the development of a dedicated Cruise Tourism Strategy to guide the sustainable growth and management of the cruise tourism sector in Seychelles, based on the findings of the Cruise Sector Analysis Report (2026–2033). The strategy will address key economic, environmental, and social challenges identified in the study, including reducing economic leakage, mitigating environmental impacts, and ensuring broader community benefits, while aligning with national development plans and international best practices.
Cabinet approved the Seychelles Sustainable Tourism Policy Framework 2025–2035 as the official guide for national tourism development, endorsing its five strategic goals focused on sustainable governance, investment and workforce resilience, cultural and environmental preservation, climate adaptation, and data-driven decision-making.
Cabinet further committed to adopting a coordinated governance model and aligning policies across sectors to support the effective implementation of the framework at the national level.
Cabinet approved the implementation of the Citizen Fast-Track Lane at Seychelles International Airport, which will enable Seychellois citizens to benefit from a fully contactless, biometric-based border clearance system starting June 29, 2025. This initiative supports the government's digital transformation agenda, enhances travel efficiency, and positions Seychelles as a regional leader in border facilitation, with no cost to citizens.
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