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Government has conducted more than 2,505 labour inspections covering 66,505 employees countrywide, resulting in administrative penalties totalling K4,995,520 against employers found to be violating labour laws.
Minister of Labour and Social Security, Misheck Nymbose, disclosed this in a ministerial statement on the status of labour inspections and compliance with labour laws in Zambia, delivered to Parliament on Thursday.
Nymbose said the Ministry had 192 labour officers and inspectors serving 116 districts, with inspections aimed at ensuring employers complied with statutory requirements.
He said 179 companies had been charged, while 103 cases had been referred to the Attorney General’s Office between 2025 and November 2026 for further action.
“These provisions demonstrate that labour inspections are not merely administrative exercises. They are statutory enforcement mechanisms through which the Government ensures that employers discharge their legal obligations,” Nymbose said.
He said inspections covered the issuance of valid employment contracts, payment of wages in line with minimum wage orders, timely payment of salaries and benefits, provision of payslips, working hours, overtime and leave entitlements.
Other areas included the prevention of unlawful casualisation, compliance with National Pension Scheme Authority (NAPSA), National Health Insurance Management Authority (NHIMA) and Workers’ Compensation Fund obligations, as well as the prevention of child labour, forced labour and discrimination.
“The Government does not regard labour inspections as an exercise intended to punish employers indiscriminately. Rather, they are intended to secure compliance, protect workers and promote a responsible and productive labour market,” he said.
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Nymbose said where violations were identified, the Ministry issued compliance notices and remedial directions, conducted follow-up inspections and imposed administrative penalties under the Employment Code Act.
He said the Ministry could also restrict or suspend unsafe workplaces where legally authorised.
He said the measures enabled the Ministry to enforce compliance and accountability without necessarily resorting to lengthy litigation in every case.
Nymbose said the Ministry had strengthened collaboration and joint inspections with NAPSA, the Workers’ Compensation Fund Control Board, NHIMA, the Occupational Health and Safety Institute and other regulatory institutions.
He said inspections had also been intensified in the mining, construction and transport sectors, where complaints had been prevalent.
“Despite the challenges above, the Ministry remains committed to ensure that the Zambian workers’ rights are upheld and protected as we endeavour to Grow Zambia together as we move forward,” Nymbose said.
He said protecting workers’ rights, promoting decent work and maintaining harmonious industrial relations remained critical components of Government’s development agenda.
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