Italy denies accreditation to Seychelles ambassador

The Italian government has refused to accredit the person designated by the Seychelles to represent it in Rome. The choice was announced just after the re-election of President James Michel in July 2006. It went to the Italian businessman Graziano Triboldi, who had just obtained Seychelles nationality. The Frenchman Philippe Le Gall was also selected as Seychelles ambassador to Beijing at the same time. But whereas Le Gall was accepted by the host country, Triboldi was not.

This is a very good story for the Rising Sun to go poke their noses into, because unlike Le Nouveau Seychelles Weekly they have access to information we are denied and this exercise will truly prove and establish their independent status, which they crave so much. They can go find out why the Italian government has turned down the appointment of Italian born businessman Graziano Triboldi as Seychelles ambassador in Rome. Surely, the Italian government knows something we here in Seychelles don’t. “Dir mwan ki ou frekante mwan dir ou ki ou ete.”

Seychellois still need visas to the European Union

Seychellois still need valid visas to enter the European Union. That has been confirmed by the French Embassy, the Victoria diplomatic mission acting on behalf of over a dozen Shengen Accord countries, such as France, Germany, Italy, Belgium, and Holland.

The French embassy categorically denies a report on the internet that Seychelles and Mauritius are now exempt from visa requirements.

The same misleading statement has also been communicated by Air Seychelles to travel agents.

The Consular section of the embassy notes that a denial to the same effect was issued in 2006.

Nothing has changed. Visas are still being received and processed for visit to Shengen countries. Requirements remain a confirmed return ticket, a letter from the applicant’s employer and a letter of invitation from a citizen of the country or countries to be visited.

If anything, the requirements have become more stringent over the past couple of years. People contemplating travel to the EU, now need medical insurance cover for 30,000 euros.

In Seychelles, this can be obtained for about R 1,500 from one insurance company, but only payable in forex.

The only European country where no visas are required is the UK, because as a member of the Commonwealth, our citizens can travel freely there. But this does not mean residency. In fact, even in UK, a Seychellois can be turned away at the airport if immigration officials suspect that he or she is planning a stay beyond the duration specified in the visa delivered at the airport.