Somalia’s Revised Labour Code Officially Launched, Marking Progress in Workforce Governance. Mogadishu, Somalia — The Federal Government of Somalia officially launched the revised Somali Labour Code (Law No. 36, 2024) on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at a ceremony held at Hotel Afrik in Mogadishu.
This significant development aims to bolster decent work and social dialogue in the country, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and marking a major step forward in Somalia’s labor governance.
The revised Labour Code was developed by the Ministry of Labour and Social Services (MoLSA) in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO) and was finalized on February 21, 2019.
The law, which replaces the 1972 Labour Code, was adopted through a tripartite workshop involving representatives from government ministries, employers, workers, and academia.
During the launch, Minister of Labour, Professor Salim Alio Ibrow, emphasized the importance of the revised code in promoting a modern labor system that protects workers’rights and contributes to social stability.
The minister also highlighted the role of social dialogue and tripartism in shaping national labor legislation. “
The revised Labour Code provides a solid legal foundation for a modern labour system that promotes decent work, orderly labour relations, and the balanced protection of the rights and obligations of workers and employers, “said Professor Ibrow.
Ms. Nasra Haji Ahmed, Deputy President of the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU), praised the Ministry for leading the progressive reform and noted that trade unions had advocated for this reform for over a decade.
She also commended the government for promoting a labor system based on fairness, accountability, and respect for social dialogue.
From the employers’perspective, the President of the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), Mr. Mahmoud Abdikarin Gabeyre, emphasized that the Labour Code contributes to a more stable and predictable business environment, supports investment, and strengthens relations between employers and workers.
The Director General of the Ministry, Mr.
Yusuf Hassan Isaak, outlined the objectives of the revised Labour Code, noting its role in regulating employment relations, protecting workers’rights, and clarifying employers’obligations.
The official launch of the revised Somali Labour Code reflects the Federal Government’s commitment to building a labor system anchored in the rule of law, decent work principles, and inclusive social dialogue as part of Somalia’s broader efforts towards social justice and sustainable economic development. Further details regarding the implementation and enforcement of the law are expected in the coming days.
Source: sonna.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 4*
