Adopting from Seychelles
Notice: As of July 14, 2014, all individuals and agencies facilitating international adoptions must be in compliance with the Intercountry Universal Accreditation Act.
The information contained on this website is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. Always seek the advice of a licensed and qualified professional. While the content of this website is frequently updated, information changes rapidly and therefore, some information may be out of date, and/or contain inaccuracies, omissions or typographical errors.
About Seychelles
A lengthy struggle between France and Great Britain for the islands ended in 1814, when they were ceded to the latter. Independence came in 1976. Socialist 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 July 2006 was elected to a new five-year term; he was reelected in May 2011.
Hague Convention Information
The Republic of the Seychelles is party to the Hague Convention on Protection of Children and Co-operation in Respect of Intercountry Adoption(Hague Adoption Convention). Intercountry adoption processing in Hague countries is done in accordance with the requirements of the Convention; the U.S. implementing legislation, the Intercountry Adoption Act of 2000 (IAA); and the IAA’s implementing regulations, as well as the implementing legislation and regulations of the Republic of the Seychelles.
Below is the limited adoption information that the Department has obtained from the adoption authority of the Republic of the Seychelles. U.S. citizens interested in adopting children from the Republic of the Seychelles should contact the Central Authority of the Republic of the Seychelles to inquire about applicable laws and procedures. U.S. citizen prospective adoptive parents living in the Republic of the Seychelles who would like to adopt a child from the United States or from a third country should also contact the Republic of the Seychelles’ Central Authority. See contact information below.
The Convention entered into force with respect to the Seychelles in October 2008. However, the Government of the Republic of the Seychelles has informed the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis that it is in the process of amending its laws in order to fully implement the Hague Adoption Convention. The Department will be gathering information on how these changes will impact intercountry adoptions between the United States and the Republic of the Seychelles. U.S. prospective adoptive parents who wish to adopt from the Republic of the Seychelles may encounter delays during this transition.
Please visit the Department’s Country Specific Information for more information on travelling to the Republic of the Seychelles and the U.S. Embassy in Port Louis website for information on consular services. There is no U.S. Embassy in the Republic of the Seychelles; however, the U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius is also accredited to the Republic of the Seychelles.
Contact Information
The Republic of the Seychelles' Adoption Authority
Ministry of Social Affairs and Employment Social Services Section Oceangate House P O Box 190 Victoria Seychelles
SOURCE
Intercountry Adoption, Bureau of Consular Affairs. U.S. Department of State Country Information adoption.state.gov/country_information/country_specific_info.php?country-select=seychelles