Forced Labour

Prohibition on Forced and Compulsory Labour

Forced Labour is prohibited under the Labour Code and is a liable offence. Forced labour does not include work executed in accordance with the law governing military service; work executed for the purpose of implementing civic education; work or service which is part of the normal civic obligations of the citizens of Rwanda; work or service required of a person according to a decision of the court and which is executed under the responsibility and control of a public institution or authority; and work or service required in case of an emergency such as during the time of war or disaster.

According to the Penal Code, a person who imposes forced labour on another person shall be liable to a term of imprisonment of six to twenty-four months and a fine of 0.5-2 million Rwandan francs or either of these penalties.

Forced labour is the work done by an individual against his/her will by force or undue threat. It is prohibited under labour law. The scope of labour law encompasses the responsibility of the government to protect the people of Rwanda from forced labour.

Source: §2, 3, 7 of the Law regulating Labour in Rwanda, 2018 (No. 66/2018); §178 of the Organic Law N° 01/2012/OL of 02/05/2012 Instituting the Penal Code

Freedom to Change Jobs and Right to Quit

According to the constitution of Rwanda, every citizen has a right to choose the employment of their choice.

Labour law states that workers have the right to change jobs after serving due notice on their employer. The duration of notice period depends on the length of service of the worker. For more information on this, please refer the section on employment security.

Source: Article 30 of the Constitution of the Republic of Rwanda 2003, Article27 of the Law regulating Labour in Rwanda 2009 (aka Labour Code)

Inhumane Working Conditions

Working time may be extended beyond normal working hours of forty-five hours per week. However, total hours of work inclusive of overtime are not specified by the labour code.

The usual working hours in Rwanda are forty-five hours per week, while the overtime hours and their compensation are decided under the provisions of the respective collective agreements.

For more information on this, please refer to the section on compensation.

Source: §43 & 91 of the Law regulating Labour in Rwanda, 2018 (No. 66/2018)