The law prohibits forced and bonded labor by children, and the Government enforces this prohibition. The minimum working age and compulsory education age is 16 years. The Ministry of Labor and Cooperation permits no exceptions. Most students continue in school until the age of 18. This affords a decent living for a worker and family.
Wages are generally higher than the minimum.
The law stipulates safety and health standards, and the judicial system monitors them. Most workplaces implement the standards effectively, but there are some exceptions, notably in the construction industry. Return to 1997 Human Rights Practices report home page. Inclusion of non-U.S. Government links does not imply endorsement of contents.