Overview of Tanzanian Employment Law
Tanzania's employment framework is governed primarily by the Employment and Labour Relations Act (ELRA) of 2004 and the Labour Institutions Act of 2004. These laws apply to all employers and employees in mainland Tanzania (Zanzibar has its own labor laws).
Understanding your rights and obligations — whether you're a job seeker or employer — is essential for professional success in Tanzania.
Employment Contracts
**Written contracts are mandatory.** Every employer must provide a written contract within the probationary period. The contract must include:
- Names of employer and employee - Job title and description - Date of commencement - Duration (if fixed-term) - Place of work - Working hours - Remuneration and payment frequency - Leave entitlements - Notice period for termination - Any probationary period (maximum 6 months for standard roles, 12 months for professional/managerial)
**Types of contracts:** - Permanent/indefinite — no end date, standard for most roles - Fixed-term — specific duration, commonly used for projects and NGOs - Part-time — reduced hours with proportional benefits - Casual — day-to-day engagement, limited legal protections
Working Hours and Overtime
**Standard hours:** 45 hours per week (typically 9 hours/day, Monday to Friday, or 8 hours with Saturday half-day).
**Overtime pay:** - Regular overtime: 1.5x normal hourly rate - Public holiday work: 2x normal hourly rate - Maximum overtime: 50 hours in any 4-week cycle
**Rest periods:** - Daily rest: minimum 12 consecutive hours between shifts - Weekly rest: minimum 24 consecutive hours, typically Sunday - Meal break: at least 1 hour for shifts exceeding 5 hours
Leave Entitlements
**Annual leave:** 28 days per year (after completing 1 year of service). Can be taken as agreed with employer.
**Sick leave:** 126 days in any 36-month cycle. First 63 days at full pay, remaining 63 days at half pay. Medical certificate required after 2+ days.
**Maternity leave:** 84 days (approximately 12 weeks) at full pay. Available after 6 months of employment.
**Paternity leave:** 3 days at full pay.
**Public holidays:** Tanzania observes approximately 15 public holidays annually.
**Compassionate leave:** Typically 4 days for death of a close family member (varies by employer).
Social Security and Benefits
**NSSF (National Social Security Fund):** - Employee contribution: 10% of gross salary - Employer contribution: 10% of gross salary - Covers pension, disability, and death benefits
**NHIF (National Health Insurance Fund):** - Employee contribution: 3% of gross salary - Employer contribution: 3% of gross salary - Covers medical expenses for employee and dependents
**Workers' Compensation:** Employers must insure employees against workplace injuries under the Workers' Compensation Act.
Termination and Severance
**Notice periods:** - During probation: 7 days - After probation: varies by payment cycle (28 days for monthly employees)
**Fair termination requires:** - Valid reason (poor performance, misconduct, redundancy) - Fair procedure (warning, hearing, opportunity to respond) - Written notice
**Severance pay:** Required for retrenchment/redundancy — 7 days basic pay for each completed year of service.
**Unfair dismissal:** Employees can file a complaint with the Commission for Mediation and Arbitration (CMA) within 30 days of termination.