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.
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.
As part of the celebrations marking Seychelles' 50th Anniversary of Independence, the Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, Mr. James Camille, today visited English River Secondary School and Mont Fleuri Primary and Secondary Schools to present commemorative pens to students on behalf of the President of the Republic, Dr. Patrick Herminie.
The pens were presented as a token to mark this important milestone in our nation's history.
Speaking to the students, Minister Camille encouraged them to take their education seriously, work hard and show respect for themselves, their teachers, their parents, and one another. He reminded them that the choices they make today will help shape their future.
"This pen is more than just something to write with. Every time you use it, remember that you are writing your own future. Study hard, believe in yourselves, make your parents proud, and one day whether in 10, 20 or even 50 years, you will look back with pride at what you have achieved. As we celebrate 50 years of Independence, remember that the future of Seychelles is in your hands. Love your country, be proud of who you are and do your part to make our nation even stronger."
The Ministry wishes all students every success as they continue their educational journey and help build the future of 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.
Executive Director Michelle Sabury, who oversees the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Secretariat within the Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, recently met with U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Adham Loutfi, where she was presented with her certificate following the successful completion of the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) regional project on Combatting Trafficking in Persons.
Ms. Sabury reflected on the knowledge and practical insights gained through the programme while reaffirming the strong partnership between Seychelles and the United States of America in addressing the global challenge of human trafficking.
The Ministry of Homeland Security and Civil Affairs remains committed to strengthening Seychelles' national response to trafficking in persons through prevention, enhanced inter-agency collaboration, victim protection, and the effective prosecution of traffickers. Through continued international cooperation and coordinated action, the Ministry is working to build a safer Seychelles for all.
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.
The African Union delegation, led by His Excellency Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, yesterday undertook a familiarisation visit to the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC), the National Information Sharing and Coordination Centre (NISCC) and Regional Fusion and Law Enforcement Centre for Safety and Security at Sea (REFLECS3).
The visit provided the delegation with an overview of how these centres work together at both the national and regional levels to address a broad range of maritime challenges, including maritime safety and security, legal cooperation and the fight against illicit activities at sea.
During a series of briefings, the delegation received an overview of the coordination mechanisms, systems and technologies that enable the RCOC and NISCC to effectively monitor and respond across Seychelles' vast maritime zone. The presentations also highlighted the strong partnerships that underpin regional maritime domain awareness and information sharing.
The delegation commended Seychelles for the efficiency of its maritime security architecture, noting that the country's model of coordination and information sharing could serve as a valuable example for other African nations. The importance of collaboration, coordination, and the timely exchange of information was highlighted as essential in addressing today's evolving maritime threats.
The Minister for Homeland Security and Civil Affairs, Mr. James Camille, also provided an overview of the establishment and evolution of the centres, highlighting their expanding role in strengthening maritime governance and security across the Western Indian Ocean region.
Speaking during the visit, H.E. Youssouf underscored the growing importance of maritime security, observing that many of today's emerging threats originate at sea. He reaffirmed the strategic importance of coastal nations, stating, "coastal countries are important to our development."
The visit reaffirmed Seychelles' commitment to regional cooperation and continued leadership in advancing maritime safety, security and sustainable ocean governance across Africa
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