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Employment contracts in Djibouti must be written and in the local language. Employment contracts can be indefinite, full-time, part-time, or for a definite fixed term that has an expiration date. Fixed-term contracts cannot exceed 12 months, can be based on work completion, and are renewable once. Any contract that does not have a fixed term is considered to be an indefinite contract. A contract stating the terms and conditions of employment should include:

• name and address of the employer,

• name and address of the employee,

• job description,

• salary, payment method, and payment date,

• benefits, and

• probation period.

The standard work hours in Djibouti are capped at 48 hours per week, spread over six days, at eight hours per day. A minimum of 24 hours rest is required, generally on Fridays. Overtime is capped at a maximum of four hours per day and 60 hours per week. Overtime generally is paid at rates established by convention or collective agreement.

In Djibouti, the public holidays are:

• New Year

• Al Isra

• Labor Day/May Day

• Eid-al Fitr

• Independence Day

• Eid-al Adha

• Muslim New Year

• Mouloud

• Christmas

In Djibouti, employment can be terminated mutually or by either party after complying with a minimum notice period. The notice period generally is one month for regular positions or three months for executive positions. Employers who fail to provide the requisite notice are required pay the amount of wages that would have been earned during the notice period.

There is no fixed minimum wage in Djibouti. Wages are negotiated between the employer and employee. Employers are not required to provide bonuses. However, some employers may choose to offer performance-based benefits.