Yemeni Labor Law

The Yemeni Labor Law is the governing framework regulating labor structures in Yemen. The law was adopted in 1995 and was subsequently amended in 1999. The law is composed of 163 articles, divided into 15 chapters that address the following themes:

1- General provisions, and terminologies (Chapter 1): Presents an overview on the law’s objectives, the scope of the law’s implementation, and key terminologies.

2- Employment rules (Chapter 2): Addresses rules, and processes of hiring and employment procedures, including provisions for foreign workers.

3- Employment contracts (Chapter 3): Outlines regulations related to contractual agreements between employees and hiring entities.

4- Protection of women and children (Chapter 4): Outlines special provisions when it comes to employment of women and/or children. Outlines maternity leave laws, and prohibited occupations.

5- Wages, working hours, rest, and leave (Chapter 5, 6): Presents provisions related to minimum wage, promotion lines, and types of wages. Sets standards for working hours and leaves and also includes penalties for instances of violations.

6- Training, safety, hazards, and service benefits (Chapters 8, 9, 10): Outlines vocational training for workers, as well as rules and guidelines for safe conditions during work. Also addresses health care coverage, and pensions/end-of-service compensations, including in cases of occupational injuries/illnesses.

7- Inceptions, unions, strikes (11, 12, 13): Establishes and details workplace compliance with Yemeni laws and highlights established procedures for labor disputes, strikes, and formation of labor unions.

8- Penalties and final provisions (Chapters 14, 15): Outlines specific penalties in instances of violations of this law and includes final provisions related to implementation and enforcement of the law.

Regarding relevance of this law to child protection, the law (in Articles 2 and 15) explicitly defines a child as anyone under 15. Article 48 prohibits the employment of children in hazardous work and limits their working hours. The law also outlines special needs and children’s vulnerabilities.

Regarding implementation, effective labor law requires an accountability mechanism enforced by a governing infrastructure. These dynamics are severely compromised in Yemen, significantly limiting impact of this law.