Rwanda is a landlocked country in central Africa bordered by Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The country’s population is young and predominantly rural, and most Rwandans come from just one cultural and linguistic group, the Banyarwanda. Music and dance are an integral part of Rwandan culture, particularly drums and the highly choreographed intore dance.

Process

Employers can terminate a contract with just cause, as long as there is written notice and explanation for the termination.

Notice Period

The standard notice period is 15 days notice for employees in the first year of service, and up to 1 month of notice following 1 year of service.

Severance Pay

Severance pay is calculated depending on the length of service at the company:

• 0-5 years = 1 month of salary
• 5-10 years = 2 months of salary
• 10-15 years = 3 months of salary
• 15-20 years = 4 months of salary
• 20-25 years = 5 months of salary
• 25+ years = 6 months of salary

Parental Leave

Pregnant employees are entitled to 12 weeks of paid maternity leave, of which at least 14 days need to be taken before the due date. Fathers are entitled to 4 days of unpaid paternity leave.

Sick Leave

Employee can receive up to 6 months of sick leave per year, where 3 months paid and 3 months are unpaid.

Paid Leave

There are 19 national holidays, and employees are entitled to at least 18 days of paid time off each year. The number of days increase with the length of service.

The minimum wage is RWF 100 as stated in a 1973 law, however in practice employees earn a much higher wage (depending on the role and company). A standard workweek is 45 hours at 7.5 hours per day across 6 days. Overtime work is regulated by collective agreements.

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