In a country where migrant labour is critical to sectors ranging from construction to tourism, Seychelles has finally decided to tackle one of the thorniest issues head-on: ethical recruitment. And it’s about time.
This week, Seychelles hosted its first-ever Ethical Recruitment Workshop, signalling a clear commitment to cleaning up the often murky waters of migrant labour practices. Spearheaded by the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), the event brought together government officials, private employers, trade unionists, civil society advocates, and international partners under one roof—an achievement in itself.
With growing concerns about exploitation, inflated recruitment fees, and lack of oversight, the workshop focused on aligning Seychelles’ recruitment systems with internationally recognised ethical standards. In short: ending the days where migrant workers pay the price—literally and figuratively—for a chance at employment.
“This workshop marks a critical turning point for Seychelles,” said an IOM representative. “We are not just talking about ethics in theory; we are creating a roadmap to implement fair recruitment practices that benefit both workers and employers.”
Participants didn’t shy away from tough conversations. From examining current labour laws to highlighting case studies of abuse, the dialogue was frank and constructive. One government official admitted, “We’ve long relied on foreign workers without fully ensuring their rights are protected. This must change.”
The private sector, often blamed for fuelling demand for cheap labour, also had its say. Several business leaders expressed cautious optimism, welcoming better regulation as long as it doesn’t come at the cost of efficiency or competitiveness.
The real winners, however, may be the workers themselves. Ethical recruitment is not just a policy buzzword—it’s about ensuring that when someone leaves their home to work in Seychelles, they’re not met with false promises, withheld passports, or exploitative contracts.
Seychelles now joins a growing list of countries stepping up on this issue, especially as international scrutiny on recruitment practices tightens. If followed through, this initiative could redefine how the island nation engages with its most vulnerable labour force.
As one trade union leader put it, “We can’t speak of progress as a nation if we turn a blind eye to exploitation in our own backyard.”
Whether this workshop becomes the foundation of meaningful reform or just another photo op remains to be seen. But for now, Seychelles has taken a courageous first step—and the world is watching.
