The Ministry of Labour and Social Services of the Federal Government of Somalia officially launched the revised Somali Labour Code (Law No. 36, 2024) during a well-attended ceremony held at Hotel Afrik in Mogadishu on Saturday, 7 February 2026, marking an important milestone in strengthening labour governance and aligning employment relations with principles of fairness, transparency and the protection of workers’ rights.
The ceremony was formally opened by the Minister of Labour, Professor Salim Alio Ibrow, and was attended by Members of Parliament, Federal Ministers, representatives of Federal Member States, the Somali Chamber of Commerce and Industry (SCCI), the Federation of Somali Trade Unions (FESTU) and other national stakeholders. In his address, the minister emphasised that 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, while contributing to the development of Somalia’s labour market and social stability.
During the event, the minister presented Certificates of Honour to members of the Technical Committee that led the revision of the Labour Code. The committee was tripartite in nature, comprising representatives of the Ministry, FESTU and SCCI, and its work reflected the importance of social dialogue and tripartism in shaping national labour legislation. The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to the effective implementation and enforcement of the law as part of its broader efforts to promote labour justice, strengthen social dialogue and support sustainable development based on harmonious labour relations.
Speaking on behalf of workers, Ms Nasra Haji Ahmed, Deputy President of FESTU, highlighted the importance of the amended Labour Code in safeguarding workers’ rights, advancing labour justice and reinforcing cooperation between the government, employers and trade unions. She noted that trade unions had advocated for this reform for more than a decade, seeking to address long-standing challenges faced by Somali workers. She also commended the Ministry for leading progressive reform and promoting a labour system grounded in fairness, accountability and respect for social dialogue.
From the employers’ side, the President of SCCI, Mr Mahmoud Abdikarin Gabeyre, emphasised that the Labour Code contributes to a more predictable and stable business environment, supports investment and strengthens constructive relations between employers and workers. He stressed the responsibility of the business community to support compliance with the law and welcomed the Ministry’s efforts to establish a labour system based on justice, transparency and accountability.
The Director General of the Ministry, Mr Yusuf Hassan Isaak, further outlined the objectives of the revised Labour Code, noting its role in regulating employment relations, strengthening labour market governance, protecting workers’ rights and clarifying employers’ obligations while safeguarding their legitimate interests.
The official launch of the amended Somali Labour Code reflects the Federal Government’s continued commitment to building a labour 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.
