After 52 years, Somalia has finally reformed its labor law. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud’s signing of the new Somali Labor Code marks a historic moment, with promises of better worker protections, fairness, and economic growth. The government frames this law as a step forward in securing workers’ rights while aligning Somalia with international labor standards.
However, beyond the official celebrations, many Somali workers remain skeptical. While the law may guarantee rights on paper, its effectiveness depends on enforcement—something Somalia has long struggled with. Workers continue to face significant challenges, including the lack of reliable healthcare and pension services despite taxes being collected. Moreover, the weak infrastructure and ongoing insecurity—exacerbated by extortion from terrorist groups like Al-Shabaab and ISIS—continue to stifle economic opportunities.
For Somalia’s workforce, the real question is: Will this new law bring tangible improvements, or will it remain just another legislative milestone with little real impact? Workers across the country will be watching closely, hoping that this long-overdue reform translates into real change in their daily lives.
