AGP Executive Report

Data Privacy: Qurium’s research into online “sweepstakes” says a single Norwegian ad company can quietly run connected promotions that may blur the line between games and data-harvesting funnels. Immigration & Travel: Hungary names just three countries eligible for its employment residence permit under a “guest worker” policy, while Canada outlines a simple four-step eTA process for visa-free entry. Seychelles Security & Diplomacy: Seychelles Chief of Staff Col. Michael Hollanda is set to attend a two-week strategic engagement programme in New Delhi, as India also hands over repaired Dornier equipment tools for maritime surveillance. Environment & Monitoring: SPGA completes a week-long scientific monitoring training for mangrove, reef and seagrass corridors under the Ridge to Reef project. Sports: Seychelles Aquatics Series No. 1 kicks off the season, and the SFF Premier League match day five shapes the title race. Tourism Connectivity: Condor confirms year-round Frankfurt–Seychelles flights, ending a seasonal gap. Regional Spotlight: Seychelles is drawn into the COSAFA U-20 qualifier spotlight as Namibia and others set the pace.

Seychelles-India Ties: Seychelles Chief of Staff Col. Michael Hollanda and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Angela Payet are set to attend a two-week International Strategic Engagement Programme in New Delhi, as India continues defence and maritime support. Blue Economy & Fisheries: Seychelles is pushing deeper cooperation with India on landed tuna value chains, post-harvest upgrades, and using fish waste and seaweed for higher-value products, alongside better fisheries data and monitoring. Environment & Coastal Health: The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) wrapped a week-long capacity programme to strengthen scientific and socio-economic monitoring of mangroves, reefs and seagrass corridors under the Ridge to Reef project. Sports Spotlight: Seychelles opened its COSAFA U-20 campaign with a 4-3 win over Mauritius, while the Seychelles Aquatics Series No. 1 kicked off the season with Russian swimmer Alisa Pepelina winning multiple events. Tourism Connectivity: Condor confirms year-round Frankfurt–Seychelles flights, restoring continuous direct access after a seasonal gap.

Indian Ocean diplomacy & defence: Seychelles Chief of Staff Col. Michael Hollanda and Deputy Cabinet Secretary Angela Payet are set to attend a two-week International Strategic Engagement Programme in New Delhi, as India continues defence and maritime cooperation support, including repaired Dornier electronic units and calibrated tools. Blue economy & environment: The Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority (SPGA) has wrapped a week-long capacity programme to strengthen scientific and socio-economic monitoring of mangrove, reef and seagrass corridors under the Ridge to Reef project. Tourism connectivity: Condor has confirmed year-round weekly Frankfurt–Seychelles flights, ending a seasonal gap and restoring continuous direct access to the German hub. Sports (U-20 COSAFA): Seychelles opened its COSAFA qualifier campaign with a 4-3 win over Mauritius, while Namibia beat Mozambique 1-0 and will next face Seychelles. Clean Shores Run: A Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman drew 34 participants for a 5km coastal cleanup push, with Seychelles Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and the Russian ambassador taking part. Seychellois rupee in focus: Market data reports the Seychellois rupee as the top African currency gainer in September, rising 6.44% against the US dollar.

Visa & Travel: Thailand’s new visa-exemption rules are now in force from 15 September, cutting the headline stay from 60 to 30 days for many travellers, while Seychelles and Mauritius are listed for a 15-day category—check your passport “admitted until” date if you entered before the change. UK Entry Rules: Seychelles citizens can travel to the UK without a traditional visitor visa, but they still need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) under the UK system. Tourism Pressure: Escalating Middle East tensions are disrupting flights and airspace, adding costs and cancellations that hit Indian Ocean tourism, including Seychelles. Seychelles-India Fisheries Push: Seychelles is reaching out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen post-harvest management, including data-sharing and higher-value processing. Environment & Cleanup: New reporting highlights how plastic and fishing gear are washing up on Seychelles shores, with Aldabra alone estimated to have accumulated over 500 tonnes. Sports: Namibia beat Mozambique 1-0 in the COSAFA U-20 opener; Namibia next faces Seychelles on Tuesday. Maritime Security: A new look at Indian Ocean grey-zone activity flags Chinese research and fishing operations as a growing concern for littoral states.

COSAFA U-20 Football: Namibia’s Young Warriors beat hosts Mozambique 1-0 to notch a second straight win, with Rashid Naobeb scoring in the 18th minute; captain Lukas Sakeus’ side now has six points and next faces Seychelles on Tuesday, 22 September. UK Travel Rules for Seychellois: Seychelles citizens are generally visa-exempt for short UK visits, but they still fall under the UK’s Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system, meaning an ETA is typically required before travel. Tourism Disruption Watch: Sri Lanka, the Maldives and Seychelles are bracing for fresh tourism shocks as Middle East tensions trigger airspace closures, flight cancellations and longer, costlier routes. Air Connectivity Boost: Condor is moving its Frankfurt–Seychelles route to year-round service, ending a seasonal gap and restoring continuous direct access. Trade and Seafood Development: Seychelles is reaching out to India to deepen fisheries and aquaculture ties, including tuna processing investment, product diversification and better fisheries data for monitoring and surveillance. Environment: New research highlights how plastic and fishing gear are washing onto Seychelles shores, with much of the pollution likely coming from vessels operating near Seychelles waters. Finance and Markets: Emirates wrapped ATM 2026 with 30+ tourism partnerships, while Seychelles-based Baazex launched a “Explore More. Trade Smarter” campaign to expand access for traders.

Chagos Diplomacy: Maldives has asked UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to reopen talks on the Chagos Archipelago, adding a new claimant to the long-running dispute involving Britain, Mauritius, the US base on Diego Garcia, and the Chagossians. Informal Economy Push: A Seychelles-linked debate on Africa’s growth argues the informal sector should be treated as a foundation for national economies, warning that ignoring it is costly. Clean Shores Run in Seychelles: Russian Ambassador Kirill Sokolov-Shcherbachev and Sports Minister Kelsey Belle joined the Roche Caiman 5km coastal cleanup race for International Coastal Cleanup Day, with 34 participants and Yannick Anacoura winning. Seychelles-India Fisheries Ties: Seychelles says it has reached out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen post-harvest management, including data sharing and new processing and aquaculture investments. Maritime Security Watch: A new focus on Indian Ocean “grey-zone” activity highlights how ambiguous Chinese research and fishing operations can complicate response for littoral states. Tourism & Travel Policy: Thailand’s visa-free rules tighten, including a 15-day exemption for Seychelles and Mauritius, while other changes affect visa-free land entries. Currency Spotlight: September market data shows the Seychellois rupee among the top African performers against the US dollar.

Clean Shores Run: Seychelles marked International Coastal Cleanup Day with the Clean Shores Run in Roche Caiman, where Sports Minister Kelsey Belle and Russian Ambassador Kirill Sokolov-Shcherbachev joined 34 runners on a 5km course won by Yannick Anacoura. Seychelles-India Fisheries Push: Seychelles reached out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen post-harvest management, including investment in tuna processing, product diversification, and better fisheries data for monitoring and surveillance. Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean: A new report flags “grey-zone” Chinese-linked maritime activity—research vessels, gliders and fishing fleets—often operating ambiguously and sometimes turning off AIS, raising response dilemmas for littoral states including Seychelles. Port Performance: World Bank rankings put Seychelles’ Port Victoria at 287 globally in the Container Port Performance Index, as Djibouti, Mogadishu and Dar es Salaam lead the East and Horn of Africa region. Tourism & Travel: Thailand’s visa-free rules tighten from 15 September, with a specific 15-day exemption for Seychelles and Mauritius. Environment Watch: Research highlights how plastic and fishing gear washing onto Seychelles shores—especially around Aldabra—could cost millions to remove and harms tourism and marine life.

Seychelles–India Fisheries Push: Seychelles has reached out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen post-harvest management, with talks on tuna processing investment, residue-based high-value products, vessel standards, and fisheries data for monitoring and surveillance. Tourism Trade Boost: Seychelles is back in France at IFTM Top Resa (Sept 15–17), aiming to deepen partner ties and visibility in the French market. Regional Security & Nuclear-Free Stance: Comoros and Seychelles are highlighted for joining the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, framing disarmament as a security model for the Indian Ocean. Maritime Pollution Warning: New research flags massive plastic and fishing-gear wash-ups across Seychelles, with findings pointing to sources near Seychelles’ own waters—raising pressure for better tracking and accountability. Crypto & Finance Spillover: Celsius’s bankruptcy estate has sued BitMEX for about $495m over March 2020 liquidations, naming entities linked to Seychelles among defendants. Sports (Seychelles in focus): Seychelles U-20 were beaten 4-1 by hosts Mozambique in the COSAFA qualifier, while Seychelles’ club side is mentioned in CAF Champions League prelim context.

Fisheries & Aquaculture Push: Seychelles has reached out to India to boost landed tuna revenues and strengthen post-harvest management, with talks on tuna processing investment, product diversification, vessel standards, and better fisheries data for monitoring and surveillance. Tourism Trade Boost: Seychelles is back in France at IFTM Top Resa (Paris) to deepen ties with tour operators and airlines and strengthen its high-value tourism push. Regional Connectivity at ATM: Seychelles tourism minister Nicola Amanda Bernstein met partners at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, stressing that demand is strong but route availability, frequency and connectivity matter most. Environment Alarm: New research flags tons of plastic and fishing gear washing onto Seychelles beaches, with findings pointing to pollution likely coming from vessels in or near Seychelles waters. Crypto Legal Shock: Celsius’s bankruptcy estate has sued BitMEX for about $495m over 2020 forced liquidations, naming BitMEX-linked entities including Seychelles-based firms. Currency Watch: The Seychellois rupee led African currencies in September 2026, gaining 6.44% against the US dollar.

Tourism Push: Seychelles is back in France at IFTM Top Resa (Sept 15-17) to deepen trade ties and boost visibility with French partners, after earlier Middle East push efforts at Arabian Travel Market in Dubai. GCC Strategy: At ATM 2026, Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein led meetings to strengthen Gulf Cooperation Council partnerships and open new business opportunities for regional travellers. Environment & Waste: A new study flags that tons of plastic and fishing gear are washing onto Seychelles beaches, with much of it likely coming from vessels operating in or near Seychelles waters—raising fresh pressure for cleaner shipping and better enforcement. Nuclear-Free Stance: Comoros and Seychelles’ moves to join the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons are framed as a practical security model for the Indian Ocean. Crypto Court Fight: Celsius’s bankruptcy estate has sued BitMEX for about $495m over March 2020 liquidations, naming Seychelles-linked BitMEX entities among defendants. Sports: Seychelles will face Sri Lanka in an international friendly on Sept 30, 2026.

Tourism Push: Seychelles is back in France at IFTM Top Resa (Sept 15–17) to deepen trade ties and boost visibility with French partners, with organisers pointing to thousands of meetings and major brand participation. GCC Focus: At Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, Seychelles Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein led meetings to strengthen Gulf Cooperation Council partnerships, with discussions also stressing aviation infrastructure and better data-informed decisions for post-conflict travel recovery. Airline Deals: Emirates wrapped up Arabian Travel Market with 30+ tourism agreements across 16 countries, including new MoUs tied to Africa such as Kenya and Mozambique, while continuing its Starlink rollout at 14 aircraft per month. Crypto Legal Shock: Celsius’s bankruptcy estate sued BitMEX in New York for about $495m over March 2020 liquidations, naming BitMEX-linked entities including Seychelles-based firms, as BitMEX prepares to shut down on Sept 23. Regional Mobility Watch: Kenya’s passport fell 52 places to rank 120th globally, while Thailand tightened visa rules from Sept 15—cutting stays for several nationalities and ending visa-free access for some.

Tourism Push: Seychelles is ramping up its Middle East strategy at Arabian Travel Market 2026 in Dubai, with the Seychelles Tourism Board putting the GCC at the centre of a high-value, sustainable push and planning a new Emirates MoU to deepen Gulf partnerships and boost access. Aviation & Connectivity: At the same ATM 2026 discussions, Seychelles Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein joined regional leaders stressing that route availability, frequency and connectivity now drive demand—especially when geopolitics disrupt travel. Emirates Deal Momentum: Emirates says it is continuing its Starlink rollout across its fleet (14 aircraft per month) and has signed multiple tourism agreements at ATM, including renewed island partnerships that keep Seychelles connected via Dubai. Sports Fixture: Seychelles will host an international friendly against Sri Lanka on September 30, 2026, as both sides use the match to test talent and build cohesion. Crypto Legal Shock: Celsius’s bankruptcy estate has sued BitMEX for about $495m, naming Seychelles-linked BitMEX entities and filing just days before BitMEX’s planned September 23 shutdown.

Tourism Push at ATM 2026: Seychelles is doubling down on the Gulf Cooperation Council as Tourism Minister Amanda Bernstein leads meetings in Dubai, aiming for high-value, sustainable arrivals and deeper GCC trade ties, with a planned Emirates MoU and renewed focus on moving beyond “luxury beach” branding. Aviation & Connectivity Focus: At Arabian Travel Market, Seychelles’ tourism leadership joined regional ministers and industry figures stressing aviation infrastructure, route availability and data-led decisions as the backbone for a post-conflict travel rebound. Emirates Deal Momentum: Emirates signed/renewed seven tourism agreements at ATM, including a renewed partnership with the Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture—backed by two daily flights to Mahé and marketing plus familiarisation trips. Football Fixture: Seychelles is set to host Sri Lanka in an international friendly on 30 September 2026, offering both sides a chance to test talent and build cohesion. Crypto Legal Ripples: Celsius Network’s US lawsuit names BitMex-linked companies in Seychelles among defendants, alleging wrongful liquidations and market manipulation tied to the 2020 bitcoin crash. Business & Finance: Excent Capital launched a redesigned website to streamline its trading ecosystem for clients and partners.

Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles is pushing deeper into the Gulf at Arabian Travel Market 2026, with the Seychelles Tourism Board putting the GCC at the centre of its high-value strategy and pointing to strong access via Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi. Airline Partnerships: Emirates kicked off ATM 2026 with seven tourism MoUs and renewed its Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture deal, building on 2013 ties and two daily flights to Mahé. Regional Sports: Seychelles will face Sri Lanka in an international friendly on 30 September 2026, a chance for both sides to test talent and tactics ahead of future commitments. Trade & Economy: China has agreed to zero tariffs on 100% of Seychelles tariff lines, alongside market-opening steps from Seychelles under a new economic partnership. Global Policy Watch: Thailand is tightening entry rules from 15 September 2026, ending its 60-day visa-free scheme and cutting stays for many nationalities. Finance & Compliance: A BRICS AML/CFT training programme concluded in India with Seychelles’ High Commissioner attending, focused on cross-border financial security. Local Business/Services: Seychelles company formation pricing is under the spotlight, with one provider claiming the same all-in renewal fee year after year.

Tourism & Connectivity: Seychelles Tourism Board is putting the GCC at the centre of its high-value strategy at ATM 2026, saying around six in 10 visitors reach the islands via Dubai, Doha or Abu Dhabi, with plans for a new Emirates MoU and deeper trade engagement. Airline Partnerships: Emirates kicked off ATM 2026 by signing or renewing seven tourism deals, including renewed commitments with the Seychelles Tourism Board and Ministry of Tourism and Culture; Emirates says visitor arrivals rose 13% in 2025 to nearly 400,000, and it currently runs two daily flights to Mahé. Network Expansion: Qatar Airways says it will increase Seychelles service from four to seven weekly flights from 1 March 2027, as part of a winter push to more than 170 destinations. Business & Trade: China and Seychelles signed an “early harvest” arrangement on 10 September, with China pledging zero tariffs on 100% of Seychelles tariff lines while Seychelles opens its market further to China. Local Economy & Services: A Seychelles company-formation pricing review ranks Seychelles Inc. first for published renewal consistency, quoting US$850 for the first year and the same amount each year after. Global Context: Taiwan’s vice president says her Italy trip was kept secret to limit China interference, while leaked documents claim “checkbook diplomacy” pressure involving Seychelles, Mauritius and Madagascar overflight permits.

Tourism Boost: Emirates kicked off Arabian Travel Market 2026 by signing or renewing seven tourism MoUs, including a renewed partnership with the Seychelles Tourism Board and the Ministry of Tourism and Culture, aimed at joint marketing and familiarisation trips; Emirates says visitor arrivals to Seychelles rose 13% to nearly 400,000 in 2025 and it operates two daily flights to Mahé. Air Connectivity: Qatar Airways announced winter network expansion to 170+ destinations, including plans to increase Seychelles services from four to seven weekly flights from 1 March 2027. Trade Deal: China and Seychelles signed an “early harvest” arrangement, with China pledging zero tariffs on 100% of Seychelles tariff lines while Seychelles further opens its market to China. Finance & Compliance: CoinEx said it will wind down its crypto exchange starting September 15 and fully cease operations by December 22, while withdrawals remain open through the shutdown period. Local Sport: Beau Vallon Heat retained the Seychelles Basketball Federation men’s Division One title, sweeping PLS Hawks 2-0 in the playoffs final.