Hire in Côte d’Ivoire
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Currency of Côte d’Ivoire
West African CFA Franc (XOF)
The Capital of Côte d’Ivoire
Yamoussoukro
Time Zone in Côte d’Ivoire
GMT
Important Facts About the Country of Côte d’Ivoire
Introduction to Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire, alternatively known as Ivory Coast, is a West African nation situated along its southern coast. The country’s capital city, Yamoussoukro, is centrally located, while its largest city and primary commercial hub is Abidjan, a prominent port city. With a population of 28 million people, Côte d’Ivoire operates as a republic, granting significant executive authority to its president. The nation’s thriving economy is propelled by the robust production of coffee and cocoa, resulting in elevated income levels and establishing it as an economic powerhouse in West Africa.
What to Know about Côte d’Ivoire’s Geography
Côte d’Ivoire is bordered by several neighboring nations. Guinea lies to the north-northwest, Liberia to the west, and Mali to the north-northeast. To the northeast is Burkina Faso, and to the east is Ghana. The southern border is formed by the Gulf of Guinea, a part of the Atlantic Ocean. The country covers a total land area of approximately 322,463 square kilometers.
Climate in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire exhibits two distinct climate regions. The southern part experiences a humid equatorial climate, while the northern region has a dry tropical climate. The average temperature ranges from 24 to 28°C throughout the year. The rainy season in Côte d’Ivoire typically spans from June to October.
The Culture of Côte d’Ivoire
The culture of Côte d’Ivoire is vibrant and diverse, influenced by its geographical location, the presence of numerous ethnic groups, and its history of French occupation. The nation is host to over sixty distinct indigenous ethnic groups, each with its own distinctive traditions and identities. Moreover, within these groups, numerous sub-clusters further enhance the cultural richness and complexity of the country.
Religions Observed in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire boasts a religiously diverse population, encompassing followers of various faiths. Around 42% of the populace adheres to Islam, primarily Sunni, while approximately 40% identify as either Catholic or Evangelical Christians.
Languages Spoken in Côte d’Ivoire
French is the official language of Côte d’Ivoire, but the nation also boasts a rich array of indigenous languages that enjoy widespread usage. With approximately 78 distinct languages spoken, Dyula stands out as one of the most commonly used indigenous languages, functioning as a trading language in many areas, particularly in the northern regions of the country.
Côte d’Ivoire Human Resources at a Glance
Employment Law Protections in Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, employment is regulated by two key legal frameworks. The first, Act 2015-532, established on July 20, 2015, details the Labor Code. The second is the Interprofessional Collective Agreement of 1977. Both frameworks are pivotal in overseeing employment relationships and associated issues within the country.
Employment Contracts in Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, employment contracts may take the form of either fixed-term or indefinite arrangements. While verbal agreements are permissible, written documentation is required for fixed-term contracts; otherwise, they will be treated as indefinite-term contracts.
Furthermore, employment contracts must encompass essential details, including:
- The date and location of the contract
- Identification of both the employee and the employer
- Employment start date and location
- Employee’s position in the professional hierarchy, salary, and any additional benefits
- Duration of the probationary period (if applicable)
- Nature and duration of the contract
- Reference to or citation of regulatory texts and collective agreements governing employer-employee relations.
Côte d’Ivoire's Fixed Term Contract Terms
A fixed-term contract is an arrangement between an employer and an employee with a predetermined duration specified at the contract’s inception. Legal requirements mandate that such contracts must explicitly state either the specific expiration date or the valid duration.
Nevertheless, a fixed-term contract may lack a specific term if it arises from the execution of a distinct temporary task or serves the purposes of:
- Facilitating the substitution of an absent employee, during the suspension of their contract, or while awaiting the commencement of an employee under an open-ended contract.
- Addressing an occasional surge in workload or unusual business activity.
- Filling seasonal positions.
- Corresponding to the duration of a construction project.
- Occupying positions in sectors outlined by law or agreement where the customary practice involves using fixed-term contracts.
Failure to meet these criteria results in the classification of the employment contract as an “open-ended contract” or “indefinite contract.”
Renewal of a fixed-term contract is unrestricted, provided it doesn’t surpass two years.
Pre-Employment Checks
With the exception of specific sensitive roles that demand ethical conduct, employers are prohibited from seeking information about a candidate’s criminal record.
Côte d’Ivoire's Guidelines Regarding Probation Period/Trial Period
The duration of the probationary period depends on the payment cycle and is categorized as follows:
- Eight days for daily or hourly-paid employees
- One month for monthly-paid employees
- Two months for supervisors, technicians, and comparable roles
- Three months for engineers, managers, high-level technicians, and comparable positions
An extension of the probation period is permissible only once, and the employee must receive written notification.
Regulations and Rules Regarding Working Hours in Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, the standard work schedule consists of 40 hours weekly, equating to eight hours per day across five days. While flexible working arrangements are allowed, they must be communicated to the labor inspector.
Additionally, employees have the right to meal and rest breaks, which can be either a single 30-minute break or two 15-minute breaks.
Côte d’Ivoire Laws Regarding Overtime
- 115% for hours worked between the 41st and 48th hour
- 150% for hours worked beyond the 48th hour
- 175% for nighttime hours, as well as daytime hours on Sundays and public holidays
- 200% for nighttime hours on Sundays and public holidays
Côte d’Ivoire Timesheets & Record Keeping
Employers must keep records of payroll and payments, utilizing either manual or electronic systems.
Medical Check-ups
Law mandates medical check-ups, which must occur within three months of the employee’s probationary period.
Termination
- Mutual agreement
- Gross misconduct
- Force majeure
If the termination of a fixed-term contract violates these regulations, the employer is obligated to settle all outstanding wages and benefits until the contract’s natural conclusion. Additionally, if a fixed-term contract is terminated without offering a permanent contract, the employee is entitled to compensation equivalent to 3% of their gross wages earned during the contract period.
For indefinite contracts, termination may be based on factors like job performance, suitability, professional inadequacies, or misconduct. If an employer terminates an employee for personal reasons, written notice must be provided, communicated through a registered letter with acknowledgment of receipt or hand-delivered letter with receipt in the presence of staff representatives or witnesses. If notification proves impossible, the termination must be communicated to a staff representative of the company, with a copy sent to the Labor and Social Affairs Inspector.
In cases of multiple employee layoffs due to economic reasons, the employer must conduct an informative meeting with staff representatives, possibly assisted by trade union representatives. The employer is required to submit a file to the National Council for Social Dialogue, staff representatives, and the Labor and Social Affairs Inspector at least 15 working days before the meeting. This file should include reasons for the planned redundancies, criteria employed by the company, the list of affected employees, and the dismissal dates. It should also contain any additional documents necessary for evaluating the situation.
Employees falling into the subsequent categories are safeguarded from termination:
- Pregnant women
- Disabled workers
- Workers currently on sick leave
- Staff representatives
Côte d’Ivoire's Requirements Regarding Notice Periods
Employers must provide notice of termination, except in cases of gross negligence or fault. The minimum notice period is determined by the employee’s tenure and category, as outlined below:
For hourly or daily-paid employees:
- 0-6 months: 8 days
- 6 months – 1 year: 15 days
- 1 year – 6 years: 1 month
- 6 years – 11 years: 2 months
- 11 years – 16 years: 3 months
- Over 16 years: 4 months
For monthly-paid employees falling into the first five categories:
- Up to 6 years: 1 month
- 6 years to 11 years: 2 months
- 11 years to 16 years: 3 months
- Over 16 years: 4 months
For employees in category six and above:
- Up to 16 years: 3 months
- Over 16 years: 4 months
Termination by mutual consent does not necessitate any notification.
The employer may permit the employee to forego the notice period; however, in such cases, an indemnity in lieu of notice is still owed to the employee. The employee is free to commence a new job during the notice period.
Redundancy/Severance Pay in Côte d’Ivoire
The severance pay amount is determined by calculating a percentage of the employee’s total monthly salary for the 12 months preceding dismissal, multiplied by the number of years of employment. The percentage is contingent on the employee’s seniority level:
- Up to and including year five: 30%
- From year six to year 10: 35%
- Thereafter: 40%
Post-Termination Restraints/Restrictive Covenants
Employment contracts are allowed to include clauses related to non-competition and confidentiality, as there is no legal prohibition against such provisions.
Data Protection
The handling of personal information in Côte d’Ivoire is regulated by Law No. 2013-450, which safeguards individuals concerning the processing and circulation of their data. The law mandates obtaining the data subject’s consent as a prerequisite for the lawful processing of personal data.
Tax and Social Security Information for Employers in Côte d’Ivoire
Personal Income Tax in Côte d’Ivoire
Residents of Côte d’Ivoire are taxed on their global income. Employed individuals in the country are subject to various income taxes, including:
-
Salary Tax: Imposed at a rate of 1.2% on the taxable income and withheld by employers.
-
National Contribution: Applicable to 80% of gross income, with rates ranging from 0% to 10%.
-
General Income Tax: Applied at progressive rates from 15% to 60%. The calculation considers the national contribution, the number of dependent ratios or “parts,” and includes a 15% deduction.
Employers have additional obligations, including a Salary Tax of 1.2% for local employees and 10.4% for expatriate employees on taxable income. Furthermore, there is an Apprenticeship Tax (Taxe d’apprentissage) of 0.4% and a Training Tax (Taxe de formation) of 1.20%, both levied on the entire gross remuneration, encompassing salary, benefits, and benefits in kind.
Social Security in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire’s national social security schemes are overseen by the Caisse Nationale de Prevoyance Sociale (CNPS). Contributions to these schemes are made by both employees and employers at the following rates:
| Type | Employer Contribution (%) | Employee Contribution (%) |
|---|---|---|
| Family Allowance (Prestations familiales) | 5.00 | NA |
| Maternity Insurance (Assurance Maternite) | 0.75 | NA |
| Statutory medical insurance allocation (CMU) | 500 XOF | 500 XOF |
| Work Accident (Accident du Travail) | 2.00% – 5.00% | NA |
| Social Security Fund (Pension – CNPS) | 7.70 | 6.30 |
French citizens relocating to Côte d’Ivoire are exempt from mandatory contributions to its social security schemes. As long as their stay in Côte d’Ivoire does not extend beyond two years, they have the option to maintain contributions to the social security schemes of their home country.
*The provided rates offer a general reference. Actual charges may vary.
Important Information for Côte d’Ivoire Employees
Salary Payment
In Côte d’Ivoire, it is mandatory for employers to remunerate their employees in the local currency and adhere to the national minimum wage, ensuring that payment is not below this threshold. Regular payment intervals are expected, with exceptions allowed only in cases of force majeure during the employment period.
For employees with daily or weekly payment schedules, disbursements should occur every 15 days. On the other hand, those with fortnightly or monthly payment schedules should receive their payments on a monthly basis. Monthly payments are required to be settled within eight days after the conclusion of the month in which the qualifying work was performed.
Payslip
While employers are not legally obligated to furnish employees with payslips, it is advisable to do so. Providing payslips enables the inclusion of crucial details, including salaries, deductions, and other pertinent information.
Annual Leave
- One year of service: 26.4 days
- Five years of service: 27.4 days
- 10 years of service or more: 28.4 days
Sick Leave
Employees have the right to five days of paid sick leave annually, subject to the submission of a medical certificate.
Maternity, Paternity, Parental, and Childcare Leave
Maternity Leave
Female employees are eligible for a continuous 14-week maternity leave, encompassing six weeks before the anticipated delivery date and eight weeks following childbirth. This leave duration is considered as valid employment when determining seniority-related benefits for the employee.
In the case of multiple births, an additional two weeks will be added to the post-natal phase of the maternity leave.
Throughout the maternity leave, the female employee is entitled to a maternity allowance and an allowance equivalent to her income at the moment her contract was temporarily suspended. Both benefits are covered by social security.
Paternity Leave
Male employees have the right to a two-day paternity leave.
Public Holidays
Typically, Côte d’Ivoire observes 14 national holidays, with the possibility of the government incorporating additional one-time holiday events during the year.
Benefits to the Employee in Côte d’Ivoire
Côte d’Ivoire Statutory Benefits
Employees in Côte d’Ivoire have legal entitlements to pension insurance, worker injury insurance, maternity leave benefits, paternity leave, annual leave, and sick leave as stipulated by the law.
Other Benefits
Employers frequently offer employees supplementary benefits beyond the mandatory legal entitlements. These additional perks may encompass bonuses, private health insurance, life insurance, food allowances, family allowances, education allowances, and extra leave days.
Rules Regarding Visas and Foreign Workers in Côte d’Ivoire
General Information
Visas
Travelers to Côte d’Ivoire who do not belong to visa-exempt countries must acquire a visa from one of the Ivorian diplomatic missions.
E-visa applications are accepted online, and if approved, the e-visa can be collected at Port Bouet Airport in Abidjan. The e-visa is typically granted within 48 hours and remains valid for a period of 90 days.
Work Permits
Expatriates intending to work in Côte d’Ivoire need to apply for a work permit from the Ministry of Security before their arrival. Work permits are typically issued alongside residence permits and hold a validity of one year, following which a renewal application is necessary.
To secure a work visa, the expatriate must have already secured employment in Côte d’Ivoire, with their prospective employer submitting copies of contracts and employment documents to the Côte d’Ivoire Labor Office.
Additionally, the expatriate must furnish an up-to-date criminal record and a medical certificate from a licensed physician. In certain instances, a French translation may be required.
Public Holidays Recognized by Côte d’Ivoire in 2024
| Occasion | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | New Year’s Day | January 1 |
| 2 | Easter Monday | April 1 |
| 3 | Day after Laylat al-Qadr | April 7 |
| 4 | Eid al-Fitr | April 10 |
| 5 | Labour Day | May 1 |
| 6 | Ascension Day | May 9 |
| 7 | Whit Monday | May 20 |
| 8 | Eid al-Adha | June 16 |
| 9 | Eid al-Adha Holiday | June 17 |
| 10 | Independence Day | August 7 |
| 11 | Assumption Day | August 15 |
| 12 | The Day after the Prophet’s Birthday | September 16 |
| 13 | All Saints’ Day | November 1 |
| 14 | National Peace Day | November 15 |
| 15 | Christmas Day | December 25 |
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