Minimum Wage

General

The minimum wage in Burkina Faso is 34,664 XOF a month in the formal sector, however, other industries/sectors, such as agriculture, do not have a set minimum wage applicable.

Payroll

Payroll Cycle

In Burkina Faso, the payroll cycle is usually monthly.

13th Salary

Employers in Burkina Faso commonly pay bonuses to employees at the end of the year.

Working Hours

General

The standard workweek in consists of 40 hours per week.

Overtime

All work exceeding the standard working hours a week is to be paid as overtime and is regulated by employment contract/collective agreements. When an employee is requested to work overtime or work on holidays, there is a maximum number of hours allowed. The rates for overtime range from 15% to 120% of the regular salary, depending upon the type of work and employment.  Employees working in the transportation industry are exempt from the maximum if their shift schedule requires it and special rules and limitations apply to young workers.

Working Week

Monday-Friday

Leave

Paid Time Off

Employees are entitled to 22 paid days of annual leave once they have completed one year of service

After 20 years of service the number of days of entitlement increases as follows:

• 2 additional days for 20 years of service
• 4 additional days for 25 years of service
• 6 additional days for 30 years of service

Public Holidays

There are 18 Public Holidays in 2022.

Sick Days

Sick pay is determined by the length of employment:

• Up to 1 year of service – two months’ salary (first month 100%, second month 50%)
• Between 1-5 years of service – four months’ salary (first month 100%, remaining months 50%)
• Between 6-10 years of service – five months’ salary (two months 100%, remaining months 50%)
• Between 11-15 years of service – six months’ salary (three months 100%, remaining months 50%)
• More than 15 years of service – eight months’ salary (four months 100%, remaining months 50%)

Also, an employer cannot terminate the contract of an employee in case of absence from work due to illness for up to 1 year.

Maternity Leave

Following completion of three months of service, female employees are entitled to 14 weeks of paid maternity leave, generally starting eight weeks before the expected due but no later than four weeks before.

The maternity pay is paid by the Burkina Faso social insurance program together with additional family allowances/benefits.

Paternity Leave

Fathers are generally entitled to 3 days of paid paternity leave.

Parental Leave

Parental leave is available for parents of a sick child for up to six months unpaid and with providing one month’s notice.

Other Leave

There is no other general leave.

Termination

Termination Process

Employers can terminate a fix term contract by giving the following reasons – business, personal, or employee misconduct. It requires notice and a written explanation for the termination. If the reason is misconduct, a warning needs to be given, and the employee gets a chance to explain their actions.
Before the termination for misconduct, an employee must receive one written and two verbal warnings.

Notice Period

The statutory notice period as stated in the Burkina Faso labor law is dependent upon the category of employee/job role. A notice period of eight days for part-time definite contracts, one month for full-time regular employees, and three months for managers, supervisors, and technicians.

Severance Pay

Employees are entitled to severance payments upon termination, unless in the case of gross misconduct. Severance pay is applicable for the termination of employment to employees who have worked for more than 1 year.

Probation Period

The probationary period in Burkina Faso depends upon the type of employment/job role, but is generally 3 months.

VISA

VISA

A work visa is mandatory for foreign employees who need to stay in Burkina Faso for more than 90 days. They will also need a worker card. (This is the work permit obtained by the employer for the employee to work in Burkina Faso). These visas are valid for the entire duration of the employment contract of up to 3 years. It is best to get the work visa and worker card from the nearest Burkina Faso embassy or consulate.

VAT

General

The standard rate of VAT is 18%.