Date of publication:
04/22/2025
Somalia
Do domestic laws and policies provide fair remuneration for forcibly displaced and stateless persons?
Assessment by population
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.
Related provisions of domestic law or policy
Labor Code of Somalia
- Year: 1972
- Type: Domestic law
- Rights Category: Work & Workplace rights
- Link to external source: https://nbs.gov.so/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Labor-Management-Procedures-LMP.pdf
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.