Domestic Workers Deserve Legal Protection
Tanzania employs hundreds of thousands of domestic workers — house helps, nannies, cooks, gardeners, and cleaners. Despite being essential to many households, domestic workers have historically lacked formal protections.
The Employment and Labour Relations Act (2004) does cover domestic workers, though enforcement varies. Understanding your rights (or your obligations as an employer) is the first step toward fair working conditions.
Legal Rights of Domestic Workers
**Employment contract:** Domestic workers are entitled to a written employment contract specifying duties, working hours, salary, leave, and notice period. Even informal arrangements should be documented.
**Minimum wage:** Domestic workers are covered by minimum wage orders. Check the latest government gazette for current rates in your sector.
**Working hours:** Maximum 45 hours per week applies. Live-in workers should have clearly defined working and rest hours.
**Leave entitlements:** - Annual leave: 28 days per year - Sick leave: as per standard regulations - Maternity leave: 84 days at full pay
**Social security:** Employers should register domestic workers with NSSF if employment meets the threshold requirements.
**Termination protections:** Domestic workers cannot be dismissed without valid reason and proper notice. Unfair dismissal complaints can be filed with the CMA.
Best Practices for Employers
**Create a written agreement** covering duties, schedule, salary, leave, and house rules.
**Pay a fair wage** — use NafasiCare to benchmark compensation in your area.
**Respect working hours** — define clear start and end times, especially for live-in workers.
**Provide a safe working environment** — ensure safe living conditions, adequate food (if live-in), and access to healthcare.
**Communicate openly** — regular conversations about expectations and concerns prevent conflicts.
**Use NafasiCare** to find verified domestic workers with references and ratings, creating transparency for both parties.