Policy Considerations for Gainful Occupation Permit System Modernization and Skills Alignment in Seychelles : Background Note for the Seychelles Country Growth and Jobs Report

Overview & Synopsis

This note provides analysis and an initial policy discussion regarding modernization of the Gainful Occupation Permit (GOP) system and broader labor market reforms. It is a draft background paper for the World Bank Country Growth and Jobs Report for Seychelles, which will be published in 2026. The note has been prepared based on consultations with the Government of Seychelles (GoS) and the private sector, and is designed to support the ongoing policy dialogue. Seychelles’ GOP system plays a central role in regulating labor migration, but it remains characterized by fragmented processes, regulatory gaps, and limited digital integration. The current system does not adequately support timely labor market matching or workforce planning and imposes administrative burdens on both employers and government agencies. This note outlines potential reforms across five priority areas to enhance policy coherence and support a more inclusive and adaptable labor market: (i) Revise and simplify the labor market legal framework; (ii) Develop a centralized digital platform for GOP processing, drawing on regional good practices from Mauritius and the Maldives; (iii) Extend the duration of the GOP and streamline the process; (iv) Increase GOP administrative capacity and strengthen inter-agency coordination and labor market statistics; and (v) Invest in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to close skills gaps. The note also highlights that changing the GOP fee structure is unlikely to improve affordability for firms, and that a review of the localization policy is warranted.