ABSTRACT
The principal legislation relating to labour in Eritrea is the Governor's Decree No. 9631 of September 1, 1916, and for Somaliland, Decree No. 8220 of July 31, 1930. These introduce some regulation of labour, though the small degree of development in the colonies renders detailed measures scarcely necessary. District Commissioners are charged with the publication of the requirements of employers, but are prohibited from using any sort of pressure; they are entitled to refuse to allow labourers to leave their homes for work, should this seem desirable. Contracts are governed by Italian law generally; a difference is made between casual labour, and contract labour, which latter must be for at least three months. Sanitation and health measures are regulated by the various rules in force in each area; special provisions are not considered necessary. Wages are usually to be paid in money; in certain circumstances they may, at the expressed wish of the employee, be paid in kind.
