Any foreigner working without proper paperwork in the Democratic Republic of Congo faces immediate arrest and subsequent expulsion from the country, Taarifa investigative Desk has reliably learned.
“A strict deadline of thirty (30) calendar days from the publication of this press release is granted to employers to fully regularize the administrative status of their expatriate staff,” reads in part the presser issued by the Ministry of Employment and Labour.
It warns employers that lack of adherence to the directives will attract sanctions that may include the suspension of activities and referral to a competent court.
The ministry said that the directives are part of a national policy of economic sovereignty and protection of the Congolese job market.
“Therefore, no form of fraud, abusive labour substitution, or marginalisation of national skills will be tolerated,” warns the Ministry,
Ferdinand Massamba Wa Massamba the Labour Minister says the government has taken a “firm” and “immediate” action to put an end to illegal practices related to abusive use of foreign labour.
“Any hiring of an expatriate worker without prior authorization constitutes a serious administrative offence in accordance with the provisions of the law,” said Massamba Wa Massamba.
According to a Ministerial Decree No. 075/CAB/MIN.ET/FMM/RK/10/2025 of 9/10/2025; the occupation by foreigners of jobs reserved for nationals is formally prohibited and exposes offenders to sanctions, in accordance with the provisions of Departmental Decree No. 86/001 of 31 March 1986.
Judith Suminwa the Prime Minister says that any irregularities will be subject to immediate measures, including the administrative expulsion of the workers concerned, in collaboration with the competent services, as well as the partial or total suspension of the activities of the offending companies.
According to the minutes of the Council of Ministers meeting held on Friday, April 3, President Felix Tshisekedi ordered for an audit of the local labour placement sector.
It has been discovered that 625 private placement agencies (PPAs) have been identified, of which 223 are operating legally, while 402 are operating illegally.
The Council of Ministers proposed and adopted a 30-day moratorium to facilitate the transfer of employment contracts to companies in compliance with the legislation, in order to guarantee continuity of employment and support for the workers concerned.
They also adopted a measure to close the 402 private placement services that operate illegally, after the expiry of a final 30-day moratorium.
