Date of publication:

04/22/2025

Somalia

Do domestic laws and policies provide fair remuneration for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?

ANALYSIS

Assessment by population

Assessment by population
IDPs
Refugees
Asylum-seekers
Analysis

In both the Federal Government of Somalia and the Somaliland administration, national labor laws uphold the right to fair remuneration, reinforcing the principle that all workers are entitled to equitable wages for their labor. Somalia’s Labor Code of 1972 and the Somaliland Labor Law both set out comprehensive provisions to ensure that wages are determined fairly, in accordance with the nature and value of the work performed. These legal frameworks prohibit exploitative practices and mandate that remuneration be adequate to meet basic living standards, in line with employment contracts and prevailing labor conditions. Wage protections cover aspects such as timely payment, agreed rates of pay, and safeguards against unlawful deductions.

Both jurisdictions also demonstrate alignment with international labor standards, including those established by the International Labour Organization (ILO), which emphasize the right of all workers—regardless of citizenship or legal status—to receive just and reasonable compensation for their work. While formal wage-setting mechanisms may vary depending on sector and region, the legal requirement for employers to comply with national labor regulations ensures a foundation for fair pay. These protections contribute to a broader legal commitment to building fair, inclusive, and rights-based labor markets in Somalia and Somaliland, where remuneration reflects workers’ skills, responsibilities, and contributions to the economy.

    LAW & POLICY

    Related provisions of domestic law or policy

    Labor Code of Somalia

    Legal provision

    Article 72 - Minimum Wages

    The minimum wages for any category of workers may be determined by decree of the President of the Republic, on the proposal of the Minister, having heard the Central Labour Commission, and with the approval of the Council of Secretaries.