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Victoria, Mahe
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New GOP framework discussed
A new gainful occupation permit framework related to COVID-19, strategies required to be in place beyond July 1 and proposals for the way forward for national programmes and employment schemes were some of the points discussed during yesterday’s fourth consultative session.
President Danny Faure chaired the session with key representatives of government and private sector at State House.
The meeting was a follow-up of previous consultative sessions held between the respective sectors regarding the economic response to COVID-19.
The meeting was centered on feedback from the Central Bank of Seychelles and Ministry of Finance, Trade, Investment and Economic Planning regarding points raised last Tuesday, and the presentation of a new gainful occupation permit (GOP) framework related to COVID-19 by the Ministry of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status.
The members also discussed strategies required to be in place beyond July 1 and proposals for the way forward for national programmes and employment schemes. The implementation of the Financial Assistance for Job Retention programme (FA4JR) was also reviewed.
Employment policies and GOP procedures discussed
Relief schemes being implemented to reduce the economic impacts of COVID-19 on businesses, employment policies, procedures for gainful occupation permits are some of the topics discussed during yesterday’s third consultative session.
President Danny Faure chaired the session with key representatives of government and private sector stakeholders at State House.
The meeting follows on from sessions previously held between the two sectors regarding the economic response to COVID-19.
Oliver Bastienne, chairman of the Seychelles Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), noted that the private sector further expressed its frustrations in regards to the financial assistance scheme for employees.
As part of the new normal in relation to the post COVID-19 pandemic regarding health restrictions in place, especially social distancing, the Ministry of Employment, Immigration and Civil Status has taken necessary steps to control the inflow of people coming for services among others.
The Customer Service Centre, based on the ground floor of Independence House and ran by the department of Immigration and Civil Status, is, as of yesterday, allowing only twelve clients at any one time inside the centre to seek assistance.
The principal secretary for Immigration and Civil Status, Alain Volcère, said that it was necessary to make changes in view of the many people that visit the centre on a daily basis, so as to comply with the health regulations still in place.