VICTORIA, Seychelles, August 6, 2026/APO Group/ —
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and the Diaspora, Mr Barry Faure, today received the Regional Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) for East, Horn and Southern Africa, Mr Frantz Celestin, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy.
Mr Celestin, accompanied by the IOM Chief of Mission for Mauritius and Seychelles, Ms Alia Hirji, congratulated the Government and people of Seychelles on the occasion of the country’s 50th anniversary of Independence. Minister Faure expressed his appreciation for the IOM’s longstanding partnership with Seychelles, particularly its support in the development of the Seychelles National Diaspora Policy, launched in July 2024.
The discussions focused on strengthening engagement with the Seychellois diaspora. Minister Faure briefed the delegation on the establishment of the Ministry’s new Diaspora Affairs Division, underscoring the Government’s commitment to fostering closer ties with Seychellois living abroad and encouraging their continued contribution to the country’s development.
The meeting also included an exchange of views on migration trends and labour mobility, with both sides recognising the importance of effective migration management in supporting Seychelles’ socio-economic development.
Minister Faure and Mr Celestin reaffirmed their shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation on migration governance, including in the areas of labour mobility, migration data, diaspora engagement, maritime security, combating trafficking in persons, ethical recruitment, and climate-related migration.