Minimum wage for domestic workers

I work as a live-in housekeeper in Dar es Salaam and clean, cook, and help look after two children. I work six days a week and sleep at my employer’s house. I currently earn TZS 100,000 per month. I have heard that the government has revised the minimum wage for domestic workers. This was exciting news, as I had been looking forward to asking for a raise from my employer, and having this legal backing will strengthen my case. What does this new law say about wages for domestic workers? Enlighten me.

AM, Dar es Salaam

A new wage order was indeed issued, providing the minimum wage for workers in various sectors, including domestic work. The Labour Institutions (Minimum Wage for Private Sector) Order, 2025 (G. N. No. 605A of 2025) is made under section 97(1) of the Labour Institutions Act, Cap. 300 [R.E. 2023]. Under Order 4, the Minister prescribes that ‘the minimum wages for employees in the private sector shall be as prescribed in the Schedules to this Order.’ The Domestic Work or Services Sector is found in Schedule 2, paragraph 4, which states: (a) Domestic workers employed by diplomats and major businessmen, TZS 328,000 per month; (b) Domestic workers employed by entitled officers, TZS 265,000 per month; (c) Domestic workers who do not reside in the household of the employer, other than those employed by diplomats, major businessmen and entitled officers, TZS 160,000 per month; (d) Other domestic workers other than those specified in subparagraphs (a), (b) and (c), TZS 80,000 per month.

From what you have stated, you live with your employer and are not employed by a diplomat or entitled officer hence your position generally falls within the category in sub-paragraph (d). Since you earn TZS 100,000 per month, this amount is lawfully above the minimum wage of TZS 80,000 fixed for that category. If our understanding is incorrect, your answer can be found in the other categories mentioned above.

While your pay already satisfies the legal minimum, you may still negotiate for a raise since what the law prescribes is the minimum, and parties are free to negotiate above the minimum amount. Consult your lawyer for further guidance.