Somalia has unveiled a revised Labour Code designed to modernize employment relations, strengthen social dialogue and protect workers’ rights, marking a significant step in the country’s labour governance. The Federal Government formally launched the Somali Labour Code (Law No. 36, 2024) at a national ceremony in Mogadishu, positioning the law as a framework for decent work and clear responsibilities for both workers and employers.
The launch at Hotel Afrik brought together a wide coalition of stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, federal ministers, representatives from Federal Member States, the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) and other institutional partners. Minister of Labour and Social Affairs Professor Salim Alio Ibrow said the legislation sets out a system grounded in fairness, transparency and accountability and argued that stronger labour standards can contribute to a more stable labour market and social cohesion.
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The reform effort was led by a tripartite technical committee comprising representatives from the Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, FESTU and SCCI—an approach that underscored the government’s emphasis on cooperation among public authorities, employers and workers’ organizations. During the ceremony, the minister presented certificates of honor to committee members, recognizing their technical contributions and sustained engagement throughout the drafting process.
Worker representatives highlighted the reform’s long-awaited significance. Speaking on behalf of trade unions, FESTU Deputy President Nasra Haji Ahmed noted that unions had advocated for an updated labour code for more than a decade to address structural challenges faced by Somali workers. She said the amended law strengthens labour justice, enhances protections for workers and deepens social dialogue among the government, employers and organized labor.
Employers also welcomed the revised code. SCCI President Mahmoud Abdikarin Gabeyre said the law supports a more predictable and stable business environment, encourages investment and fosters constructive relations between employers and workers. He emphasized the private sector’s responsibility to comply with the law and to support implementation in the interest of balanced, sustainable economic growth.
Providing technical context, Ministry Director General Yusuf Hassan Isaak outlined how the law regulates employment relations, strengthens labour market governance and clarifies employers’ obligations while safeguarding legitimate business interests. He said the framework aims to provide certainty for enterprises and tangible protections for employees across the formal sector.
Key elements highlighted at the launch include:
- A modern legal framework that codifies the rights and responsibilities of workers and employers.
- Stronger labour market governance and clearer rules for employment relations.
- Enhanced protection of workers’ rights and access to labour justice.
- Institutionalization of social dialogue through tripartite cooperation among the government, employers and trade unions.
- Support for a predictable business climate that can help attract investment and sustain job creation.
The Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs said it remains committed to effective implementation and enforcement, describing the Labour Code as a central instrument for advancing labour justice, strengthening social dialogue and promoting sustainable development. Officials framed the law as part of Somalia’s broader progress toward a labour system rooted in the rule of law, decent work principles and inclusive governance.
The adoption of Law No. 36, 2024, comes as Somalia works to standardize national regulations and build credible institutions after years of conflict and economic volatility. By aligning government, employers and workers in a rules-based framework, authorities argued, the revised Somali Labour Code sets the stage for fairer employment relationships and more agile, accountable labour market institutions.
By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
