Probation Periods, Working Hours, and Rest Regulations in Burundi

Modified on: Wed, 20 Aug, 2025 at 8:20 PM

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Probationary Periods
- Duration and Conditions
- Termination During Probation
Working hours
- Standard Working hours
- Rest
Overtime and Night Shift

Probationary Periods

Duration and Conditions

The probation period must be reasonable and clearly specified in writing.
Its duration depends on the technical nature of the job and industry customs.
For fixed-term contracts, the probation period must not exceed ⅓ of the contract’s total duration.
For indefinite contracts:
- Maximum of 1 year for supervisors and executives.
- Maximum of 6 months for lower-level employees.

Termination During Probation

Either party may terminate the contract without notice, unless otherwise agreed.
If a one-month notice period is agreed upon, termination can occur with 3 days’ notice after the expiration of that month.

Working hours

Standard Working hours

The normal workday is 8 hours, with a maximum of 10 hours per day.
Weekly working hours must not exceed 45 hours.
Recovery of lost working hours is allowed but must not exceed 30 days per year.

Rest

Employees are entitled to:

20 consecutive minutes of rest after every 6 hours of work.
10 consecutive hours of rest after every 24-hour work period.
Employees must receive at least 24 consecutive hours of rest every 7 days.
This rest period should ideally include Sunday.

Overtime and Night Shift

Overtime must not exceed:

15 hours per week
150 hours per year

Overtime Compensation:

135% of the hourly rate for hours 46 to 47
160% of the hourly rate for hours 48 and beyond

Night Work Compensation:

Night work (between 10:00 PM and 5:00 AM) is paid at 135% of the hourly rate.
Overtime during night hours:
- 135% for hours 46 to 47
- 160% for hours 48 and beyond