Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, James Camille, met with senior Immigration officers at supervisor level, responsible for border control at the Seychelles International Airport to hear directly from the team about their work, the challenges they face and ways to further improve the services they provide.
The meeting highlighted the important role these officers play in keeping our borders secure. As some of the first representatives of Seychelles that visitors and returning residents encounter, Immigration officers carry an important responsibility of balancing strong border controls with professional, respectful and efficient service.
The Minister spoke with the team about strengthening capacity, reviewing internal processes and finding practical ways to support officers in carrying out their duties effectively. He also took the time to listen to the concerns raised by the officers and discussed possible solutions and areas for improvement.
The Minister commended the team for their continued hard work and dedication, recognising that working at our borders requires professionalism, vigilance and a strong sense of responsibility.
He encouraged the officers to continue upholding the law, supporting one another and maintaining the high standards expected of those entrusted with protecting and managing Seychelles’ borders.
Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, James Camille, welcomed representatives of the Seychelles Law Commission for a courtesy visit, with Director Mr. Yohan Liyanage and Senior Legal Counsel Mrs. Julia Jean in attendance.
During the visit, the Minister was presented with a Special Commemorative Edition of the Constitution of the Republic of Seychelles, published to mark the 50th Anniversary of Seychelles’ Independence.
The commemorative edition provides a meaningful reflection on the country’s constitutional journey and the development of the legal foundations that continue to shape our nation.
The occasion also highlighted the importance of preserving and celebrating Seychelles’ constitutional heritage as the country reflects on five decades of independence and looks towards the future.
Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, Mr. James Camille, participated in the plenary session of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities, held in Mauritius and chaired by the Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces, Major General Michael Rosette.
During his visit, Minister Camille also held separate bilateral discussions with Mauritius’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, and Commissioner of Police, Mr. Rampersad Sooroojebally, PMSM.
The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation between Seychelles and Mauritius in areas of mutual interest, including maritime security, fisheries cooperation, the fight against illegal fishing, counter-narcotics efforts, intelligence-sharing, and collaboration within the Mauritius–Seychelles Joint Management Area.
The meetings provided an opportunity to review existing areas of cooperation and discuss practical measures to enhance coordination between the relevant authorities of both countries in addressing shared regional challenges.
The Mauritian counterparts reaffirmed their commitment to the longstanding partnership between Seychelles and Mauritius and to continued collaboration in promoting security, stability and sustainable development in the Western Indian Ocean region.
Minister Camille was accompanied by the Chief of the Seychelles Defence Forces, Major General Michael Rosette; Principal Secretary for Homeland Security, Ms. Sheryl Vengadasamy, Director of the National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC), Lt. Col. Ivel Ernesta and the Director of the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC), Major Gerald Wong-Pool.
US Chargé d’Affaires Pays Courtesy Call on Minister Camille
The newly accredited Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy in Seychelles, Mr. Christopher Green, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, James Camille, as part of his introductory engagement in Seychelles.
The meeting provided an opportunity to reaffirm the longstanding friendship and strong bilateral relations between Seychelles and the United States and to discuss areas of mutual interest and continued cooperation.
Discussions centred on shared priorities in law enforcement, maritime security and national security, as well as opportunities to further strengthen collaboration and exchange between the two countries. Both sides recognised the importance of sustained cooperation and strong international partnerships in addressing emerging security challenges and promoting a safe and secure environment.
Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, James Camille, welcomed Mr. Green and highlighted the longstanding ties between Seychelles and the United States, noting the value of the partnership and the continued opportunities to deepen cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The courtesy call reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to maintaining constructive engagement and strengthening the close and longstanding relationship between Seychelles and the United States.
Mr. Green was accompanied by Ms. Myra Labiche, Public Engagement Specialist at the United States Embassy in Seychelles.
The Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, Mr. James Camille, recently visited the Headquarters of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency (SFRSA) to personally express his appreciation to the officers who responded to the recent landfill fire.
As the Minister was on an official overseas mission at the time of the incident, the visit provided an opportunity to meet with the officers and receive a first-hand account of the operation. During the engagement, Minister Camille held discussions with members of the response team, gaining insight into the challenges encountered and the measures undertaken to bring the situation under control.
The visit also served as an opportunity to discuss areas where additional support, resources, and capacity-building initiatives could further enhance the Agency’s ability to respond effectively to complex emergencies and strengthen national preparedness.
Minister Camille commended the officers for their professionalism, resilience, and dedication throughout the operation. He acknowledged the demanding conditions under which they worked and praised their commitment to protecting lives, property, and the environment.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs joins the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency in recognising the exceptional efforts of all personnel involved in the response. Their swift action, teamwork, and unwavering commitment were instrumental in containing the incident and ensuring the safety and well-being of the public.
The Ministry remains committed to supporting the continued development and strengthening of the Seychelles Fire and Rescue Services Agency as it carries out its vital role in safeguarding the nation.
The Government of the Republic of Seychelles and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Friday, 7th August 2026 formalised a Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening cooperation on migration management and other areas of mutual interest. The Agreement provides a framework for closer collaboration between the Government and IOM, including the exchange of information and documentation, technical cooperation, research and the implementation of projects and activities in agreed areas.
In accordance with the Agreement, the Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs has been designated as the central authority in Seychelles for its implementation. This places the Ministry at the centre of the Government’s coordination with IOM on matters falling within the scope of the Agreement.
The Agreement was signed on behalf of the Government of Seychelles by the Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, Mr. James Camille and on behalf of IOM by Mr. Frantz Celestin, Regional Director for East, Horn and Southern Africa.
The areas identified for cooperation include labour migration, counter-trafficking activities, technical assistance, disaster risk management, climate mobility, poverty reduction, economic growth and human development.
“This Cooperation Agreement strengthens the framework through which Seychelles and IOM can work together on issues of importance to our country. It will support continued cooperation in areas including migration management, counter-trafficking, technical assistance and disaster risk management, while strengthening our national capacity and supporting the priorities of the Government,” said the Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, James Camille.
The Agreement also provides for the Government and IOM to undertake joint activities and where appropriate, establish technical or advisory bodies to support cooperation on matters of common interest.
The Agreement builds on Seychelles’ longstanding engagement with IOM since becoming a member state of the organization in December 2011. The partnership has supported cooperation on a range of migration-related matters and provides an opportunity to further strengthen technical cooperation and institutional capacity.
IOM’s engagement in Seychelles has included cooperation in areas such as diaspora engagement, efforts to combat migrant smuggling and transnational organised crime in the Western Indian Ocean, anti-trafficking programmes, labour mobility and migration data and management systems to support evidence-based policymaking.
“Seychelles has long been a valued partner to IOM and a leading voice for the priorities of island states within regional migration, maritime security and climate mobility discussions. This Agreement formalizes what has been, in practice, a strong and productive relationship and sets the foundation for even closer cooperation in the years ahead,” said Mr. Frantz Celestin, IOM Regional Director for East, Horn and Southern Africa.
The cooperation between Seychelles and IOM also extends to regional initiatives, including work relating to maritime security, search and rescue, irregular migration, transnational organised crime and climate-related displacement in the South-West Indian Ocean.“Every day, our teams work alongside Seychellois institutions – on labour mobility, on protecting people from trafficking, on strengthening maritime security across the region, and increasingly, on helping communities prepare for and respond to climate-related displacement through initiatives like RE2CLID. This Agreement doesn’t start that work; it recognizes it, and gives us a clearer, more durable framework to keep building on it together,” said Ms. Alia Hirji, IOM Chief of Mission.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora will serve as the focal point for coordinating matters related to specific cases within the scope of the agreement, while the Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs remains the central authority for its implementation in Seychelles.
The Government of Seychelles remains committed to strengthening cooperation with international and regional partners in support of effective migration management, national security and sustainable development. The Cooperation Agreement with IOM provides an additional framework to advance this work in line with Seychelles’ national priorities.
Through the Agreement, Seychelles and IOM will continue to work together to strengthen safe, orderly and regular migration, support national development priorities and build resilience, while addressing emerging challenges affecting Seychelles and the wider region.
The Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) recently hosted a farewell gathering in honour of Lieutenant Commander Timothée Sevaistre, French International Liaison Officer (ILO), as he concludes his successful tenure in Seychelles.
The event, attended by Heads of Departments and colleagues from partner agencies, provided an opportunity to recognise Lieutenant Commander Sevaistre’s significant contribution to regional cooperation, maritime security, and inter-agency collaboration during his assignment.
Throughout his tenure, Lieutenant Commander Sevaistre worked closely with national law enforcement, security, and disaster response agencies, supporting capacity-building initiatives, facilitating specialised training programmes, and enhancing operational coordination among regional and international partners. His efforts played an important role in strengthening collaborative mechanisms aimed at addressing shared security challenges in the region.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Lieutenant Commander Sevaistre fostered strong working relationships and enduring friendships with colleagues across the security sector. His professionalism, commitment, and collaborative approach earned him widespread respect and admiration among those who had the privilege of working alongside him.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs joins the Regional Coordination Operations Centre in expressing its sincere appreciation to Lieutenant Commander Sevaistre for his dedicated service and valuable contribution to Seychelles and the wider region. His work has helped reinforce lasting partnerships that will continue to support regional security cooperation in the years ahead.
As he embarks on the next chapter of his career, the Ministry extends its best wishes to Lieutenant Commander Sevaistre and thanks him for the lasting impact of his service, leadership, and friendship.
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