Country profile: Domestic work legislation in Zambia

The Government of Zambia has recently enacted the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment (Domestic Workers) Order, 2011, which has been published as Statutory Instrument No. 3 of 2011 (7 January 2011).

This is the first time that Zambia has legislation specifically addressing working conditions of domestic workers. The Order fixes a minimum wage and also addresses working time, sick leave and maternity leave, and severance pay. It sets 15 years as the minimum age for admission to domestic work.

The text has been enacted by the Government under the Minimum Wages and Conditions of Employment Act. This factsheet summarizes the main provisions of the new regulatory instrument.