Hiring Staff in Seychelles: Practical Guide

Published on October 1, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

The Seychelles, a paradise archipelago in the Indian Ocean, is attracting an increasing number of companies looking to establish themselves there. However, recruiting qualified local staff can be complex for foreign employers. This article will guide you through the specifics of the Seychellois job market and provide you with all the keys to effective recruitment in this country.

The Seychelles Job Market: A Talent Pool to Tap Into

With a workforce of approximately 50,000 people, Seychelles has a small but dynamic job market. The unemployment rate is particularly low, around 3% in 2024, reflecting the country’s economic vitality. Tourism, fishing, and financial services are the main employment sectors.

Despite its small size, the Seychellois job market offers several advantages for employers:

• A generally well-trained workforce, with a 95% literacy rate
• A predominantly trilingual population (Creole, English, French)
• A work culture influenced by international standards

However, some challenges persist, including:

• A shortage of skilled labor in certain specialized sectors
• Strong competition among employers to attract the best local talent
• Sometimes high salary expectations, due to the high cost of living

To succeed in your recruitment in Seychelles, it is therefore essential to understand these specifics and adapt your strategy accordingly.

Preferred Recruitment Channels in Seychelles

To find rare gems in the Seychellois job market, several options are available to you:

1. Local Recruitment Agencies

Using a Seychellois recruitment agency can greatly facilitate your efforts. These professionals know the local market perfectly and often have a wide network of candidates. Among the reputable agencies are Talent Hub Seychelles or Job Seychelles.

2. Online Platforms

Online job sites are gaining popularity in Seychelles. Platforms like Seychelles Job Board or MyJob.sc allow you to post your offers and access a substantial CV database.

3. Professional Social Networks

LinkedIn is increasingly used by Seychellois professionals. An active presence on this network can help you identify potential candidates and promote your employer brand.

4. Word of Mouth and Networking

In a small country like Seychelles, personal networks remain a very effective recruitment channel. Don’t hesitate to leverage your local contacts and participate in professional events to make yourself known.

Workers’ Rights in Seychelles: What You Need to Know

Before recruiting in Seychelles, it is crucial to be well-informed about the legal framework governing employment relationships in the country. Seychellois labor law is primarily governed by the Employment Act of 1995, which has undergone several amendments over the years.

Main Employee Rights

• Legal working hours: Maximum 60 hours per week, with at least one weekly rest day
• Paid leave: Minimum 21 working days per year
• Maternity leave: 16 weeks, with 12 weeks paid at 80% of salary
• Paternity leave: 5 paid working days
• Minimum wage: 5,804 Seychellois rupees per month (approximately 400 euros) in 2024

Protection Against Discrimination

Seychellois law prohibits any discrimination based on race, color, nationality, age, sex, religion, political opinion, HIV status, or disability. Employers must ensure strict compliance with these provisions during recruitment and throughout the employment relationship.

Termination

Termination must be justified by valid reasons (serious misconduct, incompetence, economic reasons). Notice is generally required, with its duration varying according to the employee’s seniority. Termination benefits are provided in certain cases.

Main Types of Employment Contracts in Seychelles

Seychellois law recognizes several forms of employment contracts, each adapted to specific situations:

1. Permanent Contract (CDI)

This is the most common form of employment contract in Seychelles. It offers great stability to the employee and has no predefined end date. The CDI can be terminated by either party, subject to notice.

2. Fixed-Term Contract (CDD)

Used for temporary or seasonal assignments, the CDD has a limited duration. Seychellois law limits the maximum duration of a CDD to 5 years. Beyond that, it is automatically converted into a CDI.

3. Apprenticeship Contract

Intended for young people aged 15 to 25, this contract combines practical training in a company with theoretical education. Its duration generally varies between 6 months and 3 years.

4. Temporary Work Contract

This type of contract allows companies to meet occasional labor needs. It is governed by strict rules to prevent abuse.

5. Contract for Expatriates

Foreign workers in Seychelles are subject to specific rules. Their contract must be approved by the Ministry of Employment and is generally limited to a duration of 2 years, renewable.

Regardless of the type of contract chosen, it is strongly recommended to draft it in writing, in English or French, and to include all essential elements (compensation, hours, duties, etc.).

Essential Documents for Recruiting in Seychelles

To successfully carry out your recruitment process in Seychelles, several documents are necessary:

Documents to be Provided by the Employer

• Business license: Proving your company is authorized to operate in Seychelles
• Tax identification number: Mandatory for any company operating in the country
• Compliance certificate: Issued by the Seychelles tax authority
• Detailed job offer: Precisely describing the position to be filled

Documents to Request from the Candidate

• CV and cover letter
• Copy of ID card or passport
• Diplomas and professional certificates
• Professional references
• Medical certificate: Required for certain positions

Specific Documents for Foreign Workers

If you are recruiting an expatriate, additional documents will be required:

• Work permit: To be obtained from the Ministry of Employment
• Work visa: Issued by the immigration authorities
• Housing certificate: Proving the employee has accommodation in Seychelles
• Police certificate: Attesting to the absence of a criminal record in the country of origin

It is crucial to ensure all these documents are in order before finalizing the hire. Seychellois authorities conduct regular checks, and penalties for non-compliance can be severe.

The Step-by-Step Recruitment Process in Seychelles

Recruiting in Seychelles requires following a well-defined process. Here are the main steps to follow:

1. Defining the Need and Writing the Job Offer

Start by precisely identifying your needs in terms of skills and experience. Write a clear and attractive job offer, highlighting the benefits of working for your company in Seychelles.

2. Distributing the Offer

Use the recruitment channels mentioned earlier to distribute your offer. Don’t hesitate to combine several approaches to maximize your visibility.

3. Pre-selecting Candidates

Analyze the CVs and cover letters received. Establish a shortlist of the most promising profiles. In Seychelles, it is common to conduct an initial phone interview to refine this selection.

4. Job Interviews

Organize face-to-face interviews with the best candidates. If you are not on-site, video conference interviews are perfectly acceptable. Prepare your questions in advance and be attentive to Seychellois cultural specifics.

5. Tests and Simulations

For certain positions, it may be relevant to administer technical tests or simulate work situations. Ensure these assessments are appropriate for the position to be filled.

6. Reference Checks

Don’t hesitate to contact former employers or references provided by the candidate. This step is particularly important in the Seychellois context, where the professional network is limited.

7. Job Offer

Once your choice is made, provide a written job offer to the selected candidate. Detail the employment conditions, compensation, and benefits offered.

8. Administrative Formalities

Once the offer is accepted, begin the necessary administrative procedures. If you are recruiting a foreign worker, allow extra time for obtaining the work permit.

9. New Employee Integration

Carefully prepare for the arrival of your new hire. A good integration process is crucial for retaining your talent in Seychelles.

Specific Challenges of Recruiting in Seychelles

Although the Seychellois job market offers great opportunities, recruiters may face certain specific challenges:

Skills Shortage in Certain Sectors

Some fields, particularly information technology, engineering, or specialized finance, suffer from a lack of qualified local professionals. This situation can lead to salary inflation for rare profiles and the need to recruit abroad.

Increased Competition Among Employers

With a limited job market and a low unemployment rate, competition is fierce to attract the best talent. Companies must stand out by offering attractive packages and cultivating their employer brand.

High Salary Expectations

Given the relatively high cost of living in Seychelles, candidates’ salary expectations can sometimes surprise foreign employers. It is crucial to research the prevailing salary scales in your sector.

Managing Cultural Diversity

If you recruit a mixed team composed of Seychellois and expatriates, you will need to be attentive to managing cultural diversity. Promote an inclusive work environment that respects differences.

Constraints Related to Recruiting Expatriates

Recruiting foreign workers is subject to quotas and sometimes lengthy administrative procedures. Seychellois authorities strongly encourage the training and employment of local labor. Plan for a skills transfer plan if you recruit an expatriate.

To overcome these challenges, it may be wise to rely on the expertise of recruitment professionals who know the specifics of the Seychellois market well.

Conclusion: Successful Recruitment in Seychelles, an Investment for the Future

Recruiting in Seychelles may seem complex at first, but with good preparation and a thorough understanding of the local market, it is an investment that can prove very profitable for your company.

The keys to success lie in a methodical approach, a fine understanding of the legal framework, and an ability to adapt to the country’s cultural specifics. Don’t hesitate to seek assistance from local experts to optimize your chances of success.

By investing in the recruitment of Seychellois talent or attracting international profiles to this idyllic setting, you can build a high-performing and motivated team, capable of carrying your projects forward in this dynamic region of the Indian Ocean.