Political:

A long struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Single-party rule was brought to a close with a new constitution and free elections in 1993. President France-Albert RENE, who had served since 1977, was re-elected in 2001, but stepped down in 2004. Vice President James Alix MICHEL took over the presidency and in 2006 was elected to a new five-year term; he was re-elected in 2011 and again in 2015. In 2016, James MICHEL resigned and handed over the presidency to his Vice-President Danny FAURE.

Bangladesh and Seychelles are enjoying friendly relations since establishment of diplomatic relations in 1983. Both countries share similar views on many issues as member of the United Nations, Commonwealth and Indian Ocean Rim Association.  However, in 2017 and 2018 Seychelles absented in the votes both in the third Committee on The Situation of Human Rights in Myanmar. During the presentation of credentials by the high Commissioner to the President of Seychelles on 06 August 2019. She apprised of the plight of Rohingya Muslims and violation of human rights on in Myanmar. She requested the President that Bangladesh needs support of international community to ensure voluntary and sustainable return and reintegration of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar. The President assured his support in this regard. Hopefully, Seychelles would shift her position in the near future.

In the Indian Ocean Rim countries Seychelles is much ahead in the Blue Economy. Bangladesh and Seychelles have agreed to explore cooperate in this sector and Bangladesh may benefit from their expertise and experience in this area.

Labour Market:

Presently 2400 Bangladeshi workers are working in Seychelles, mainly in construction, service sectors and a medical practitioner is serving in health sector. There is a demand for doctors, engineers, nurses, cook, housekeepers and salesmen in Seychelles. Recently, Bangladesh Government signed an agreement to resume labour market in Seychelles. Mentionable, Seychelles Government put embargo on recruiting Bangladeshi workers in 2018.  H.E. Mr. Imran Ahmad, M.P, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment of Bangladesh and H.E. Mrs. Myriam Telemaque, Honourable Minister, Ministry of Employment Immigration and Civil Status of Seychelles signed an Agreement on Labour Cooperation between Bangladesh and Seychelles on 21 October 2019 at the capital city Victoria. 

Bangladesh Community:

The size of the Bangladeshi community is very small. They are engaged in small business especially in the construction sector. It is worth mentioning that these businessmen have established themselves in Seychelles in the last five years. They won some of the government construction projects while bidding with some influential local and foreign companies.