Senegalese National Assembly: New Labor Code and Social Security Code Adopted

• Senegalese National Assembly adopted new Labor Code (n°15/2026) and Social Security Code (n°16/2026) on August 18, 2026.
• New Labor Code introduces telework, relaxed contract renewal rules, enhanced maternity protection, and universal health insurance.
• Social Security Code harmonizes legal framework and introduces three regimes for universal health insurance.
• Implementation details for new codes have not been specified yet.
• Lawyers advising clients in Senegal should review these developments to ensure compliance with new regulations.

The adoption of these new codes is part of Senegal's National Development Strategy, aiming to build an inclusive and accessible social protection system.

The Senegalese National Assembly adopted two new codes on August 18, 2026: the Labor Code (n°15/2026) and the Social Security Code (n°16/2026). Both codes were passed with a majority of 129 votes out of 165 registered members, with 4 and 3 abstentions respectively, and no opposing votes. The new Labor Code introduces significant changes to employment contracts, worker protections, and social benefits. It establishes telework as an institution, relaxes the renewal of fixed-term contracts, strengthens maternity protection, child protection, and disability protection. Additionally, it replaces daily contracts with occasional work contracts and eliminates the requirement for prior conciliation before labor courts. The Social Security Code harmonizes the legal framework and introduces a universal health insurance system composed of three regimes: one mandatory regime for workers covered by the Labor Code and the Merchant Marine Code, one for independent workers, and one for medical assistance.

The adoption of these new codes is part of Senegal's National Development Strategy, aiming to build an inclusive and accessible social protection system. The government has stated that this reform seeks to address the needs of informal sector workers and farmers who were previously excluded from social security in Senegal. The implementation details for these changes have not been specified yet. Lawyers advising clients in Senegal should be aware of these significant updates to employment law, worker protections, and social benefits.

The new Labor Code and Social Security Code bring substantial changes to the employment landscape in Senegal. Employers and employees must review these developments to ensure compliance with the new regulations. The introduction of telework, relaxed contract renewal rules, enhanced maternity protection, and universal health insurance will impact various sectors, including informal workers and farmers. As a result, lawyers advising clients in Senegal should be prepared to address any necessary adjustments and provide guidance on navigating these changes.

Lawyers advising clients in Senegal should be aware of the new labor and social security codes, which introduce significant changes to employment contracts, worker protections, and social benefits. They should review these developments to ensure compliance with the new regulations and advise clients on any necessary adjustments.

Source: Original reporting via Assemblée nationale du Sénégal