Mozambique's legal framework combines constitutional rules with specific statutes and procedures for different areas of life. Labor law regulates employment contracts, pay, working time, safety, leave, collective representation, disputes and termination. Lei n.º 13/2023 replaced Lei n.º 23/2007 and has applied since 21 February 2024; public servants and some decentralized public employees may follow special rules. Immigration law covers entry, visas, residence, work, protection, citizenship and removal of foreign citizens. Lei n.º 23/2022 has applied since 28 January 2023, and SENAMI handles migration control, visas, residence documents and immigration enforcement. Criminal law defines offences, responsibility, investigations, court proceedings and penalties under frameworks including the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code and the Code on the Execution of Sentences. Consumer protection applies to purchases, services and supplier contracts, with INAE and sector-specific regulators handling different complaints. Civil law governs contracts, property, family matters, inheritance, liability and private disputes; courts, notaries, registration offices, land authorities and community courts handle different procedures. One event can involve several areas, such as an employment dispute involving a foreign worker or a consumer contract that also raises a civil claim. The relevant facts, documents, deadlines and authority therefore depend on the legal issue and the status of the people or organisations involved.
Law in Mozambique
Law in Mozambique is the system of rules governing relationships, duties, protections and disputes involving people, organisations and public authorities. Its main areas include labor law, immigration law, criminal law, consumer protection and civil law. The applicable rules and responsible institution depend on the subject, such as employment, migration status, an alleged offence, a purchase or a private legal relationship.
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