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Written Agreements

In Cameroon, there are no specific definitions of what constitutes a written contract. According to the law, agreements concluded for a fixed term of more than 3 months, as well as those including a probationary period, must be made in writing.

Employers can stipulate a non-compete clause in employment contracts such that in the event of termination, the employee shall not engage in an activity liable to compete with the employer if the contract is broken by the employee or if the contract is broken due to a serious offense by the employee. Such prohibition will not apply outside a radius of 50 kilometers from the employee's workplace, and its duration must not exceed 1 year.

Oral Agreements

In Cameroon, employment contracts for an unspecified duration or specified duration of under 3 months can be concluded orally.

Implied Agreements

In Cameroon, there are no provisions or guidance on implied contracts.

In Cameroon, the labor law indicates that the standard workweek is 40 hours. However, standard working hours may vary for different occupations. Employees working more hours than what is considered standard for their profession are eligible for overtime benefits.

• New Year’s Day - 1st January
• Youth Day - 11th February
• Labor Day - 1st May
• National Day - 20th May
• The Ascension Day - Date subject to change
• Good Friday - Date subject to change
• Christmas - 25th December
• End of Ramadan - Date subject to change
• Sheep Festival - Date subject to change

A probationary period must be stipulated in writing and can last for a maximum of 6 months, along with renewals. The probation period for executives can be extended for up to 8 months.

Employees can be dismissed without any notice period and claim to compensation during the probation period.

Notice Period

The duration of the notice period depends on the seniority and professional classification of the employee. It is broken down into categories listed below (unless a collective labor agreement stipulates a longer duration)

• Category I to VI (all household employees): service under 1 year (15 days), between 1 and 5 years (1 month), more than 5 years (2 months)
• Category VII to IX: service of less than 1 year (1 month), between 1 and 5 years (2 months), more than 5 years (3 months)
• Category X to XII: less than 1 year (1 month), between 1 and 5 years (3 months), more than 5 years (4 months)

Severance Benefits

Severance pay is granted to employees who have worked for at least 1 year for the same employer and who are dismissed for reasons other than gross misconduct. It is paid in addition to the compensation for the notice period. Severance payment is calculated as a percentage of the average monthly salary of the employee multiplied by the number of years of service:

• 1st to 5th year - 20% of the monthly pay
• 6th to 10th year - 25% of the monthly pay
• 11th to 15th year - 30% of the monthly pay
• 16th to 20th year - 35% of the monthly pay
• 21st year onwards - 40% of the monthly pay

Minimum Wage

According to the Labor Code of Cameroon, the National Labor Advisory Board sets the minimum wage in the country. The Interprofessional Guaranteed Minimum Wage (SMIG) is currently set at XAF 43,969 (Central African CFA francs) per month.

Wages must be paid at least once a month, except when allowed by law in certain trades and occupations. Employees can request a shorter payment period of 15 days. Wages must be paid no later than the eighth day of the month following the end of the month in which they were due.

Overtime, Holiday & Vacation Pay

Overtime is allowed for up to 20 hours per week, subject to the prior written authorization of the labor inspector. It can be allowed in cases of extraordinary work, increased workload, or shortage of manpower. The overtime wages are paid as follows:

• 30% increase on regular wages for the first 8 hours of overtime in the week
• 50% increase on regular wages for every additional hour of overtime after the first 8 hours in the week

Work done during weekly rest days is compensated at a rate of 40% higher than the regular wages. Employees who are asked to work during public holidays are paid an additional 50% of the regular wages.

Visas

• Transit visa - issued to foreign nationals who are traveling to some other country via Cameroon, valid for up to 5 days
• Tourist visa - issued to foreign nationals who enter Cameroon for a temporary visit, valid for up to 30 days
• Temporary visa - issued to foreign nationals for multiple visits in Cameroon, valid for 3 months
• Long-stay visa - issued to foreign nationals who wish to stay in Cameroon for more than 3 months, valid for up to 6 months

Work Permits

The law in Cameroon requires foreign nationals to obtain a work permit before starting a paid activity in the country. The application has to be submitted to the Ministry of Labor and Social Security. A work permit is issued for 2 years and is renewable indefinitely.