Looking to hire employees from Niger but not sure where to start? It may be a challenge especially if you are unfamiliar with the local regulations and infrastructure, but an EOR can help.
Why You Should Hire from Niger
Niger is home to a large, diverse talent pool made up of professionals from various industries. Furthermore, the West African country offers access to the latest technologies, allowing companies to stay competitive in their respective industries. Employers have access to more competitive wages and salaries in Niger as well – an advantage in comparison to the high cost of living in many other countries.
The Nigerien population is also multilingual. Although French is the official language, 11 languages are spoken by the Nigerien workforce, including Hausa. Niger’s linguistic diversity and multicultural workforce act as a bridge to other African markets. Finally, Niger’s reliable and well-established infrastructure enables companies to operational efficiency when hiring new employees.
Overall, employing a remote workforce in Niger brings numerous advantages to employers who are in search of affordable yet talented professionals for their business expansion.
How to Hire Employees Legally in Niger with an EOR
Using the services of an EOR, employers can build a strong and efficient workforce in Niger in accordance with local labor regulations without needing to set up an entity, an option that may cost more and take longer.
An EOR provides invaluable insights into the local job market, quality of labor, in addition to advice on navigating Nigerian culture-. Let’s explore how an EOR provider, like Borderless, manages the main areas of global hiring and provides guidance on several areas of employment.
Employment Regulations and Taxes
Niger’s employment regulations may be complex. Hence, it is important for employers to be aware of Niger’s labor code, current tax regulations, and specific legal standards that may apply to their business. An EOR handles most matters related to global employment, ensuring foreign employers meet compliance and providing guidance on other parts of this journey.
Labor Law, Contracts, and Documentation
The Labor Law of Niger defines the rights and duties of both employers and employees and outlines minimum wage requirements, overtime pay rules, working hours, holiday entitlements, termination procedures, child labor restrictions, and safety regulations. Companies must also adhere to the country’s social security obligations and make contributions to mandatory programs and remit the required types of taxes. Employers should also be aware of the potential penalties for non-compliance. A reputable EOR provider offers the knowledge of local employment regulations in addition to guidance on compliance in doing business. With Borderless, you can also find all your documentation in one place.
Paid Vacation Time, Culture, and Other Employer Costs
Employers should be aware of the mandatory benefits they need to provide employees based on local Nigerian customs or collective bargaining agreements (CBA). Furthermore, they should know if there are customary or popular benefits and entitlements in the Nigerian workplace. Benefits may differ depending on the sector of employment or location within Niger.
In Niger, employees are entitled to a minimum wage of 30,047 CFA francs a month (about USD $60), 22 paid vacation days, and 5 or more days of sick leave.
Nigerian employees observe the following 12 public holidays:
- January 1: New Year's Day
- April: Easter Monday
- April 18: Laylat al-Qadr
- April 21: Korité
- April 24: Concord Day
- May 1: Labour Day
- June 28: Tabaski
- June 29: Tabaski Holiday
- July: Islamic New Year
- August 3: Independence Day
- September 27: Prophet Muhammad's Birthday
- December 18: Republic Day
- December 25: Christmas Day
Employees are also entitled to a paid maternity leave of 14 weeks and paid paternity leave of one day. Employers must also contribute up to 16.90% of an employee’s salary to social security.
Given the complexity of the employment landscape in Niger, businesses should consider the advice of EORs if in doubt about their employer obligations whether it is the rate of taxation or compliance with local labor laws.
What About Employer's Responsibilities?
While an EOR manages many HR functions, your responsibility is to ensure that your employees understand and comply with the legal processes of employment in accordance with their contracts. You are also responsible for selecting the right talent for your business, onboarding new hires, communicating expectations, managing your teams’ performance, and retaining them. The EOR assists you in all HR and legal areas, but it is your duty to manage your employees on a day-to-day basis.
Steps to Finding the Right EOR Provider for Your Business
Hiring through an EOR provider is a great way to find the perfect candidate for your business in Niger. Having clear expectations and knowing how to identify red flags are the first steps. Here are a few simple steps to finding the best EOR for your business:
1. Identify your needs and expectations: Before you begin your search, consider your company’s needs to determine the range of services and level of expertise you would need from an EOR. Evaluate both short-term goals such as the length of time you would spend on recruiting top talent and long-term goals such as the importance of employee development and retention.
2. Research different types of EORs: There are multiple types of EORs and the services they offer may not be the same. Some EORs specialize in certain industries or are known for certain areas of expertise while others may offer a full range of services from recruitment to payroll management. Your chosen EOR should offer all the services you require to avoid the need of opting into the services of additional providers, enabling a streamlined operation.
3. Compare providers on expertise, services & pricing: Once you have identified a few potential providers, compare them in different areas. These include their areas of expertise, range of services, pricing models, customer reviews and more. A provider with business experience in Niger can provide valuable knowledge of local labor regulations and insights into the local culture, helping you understand the differences between countries and how to set up best practices of employment accordingly. Additionally, the cost of your chosen EOR should fit within your budget without sacrificing quality, including, or service delivery timescales.
4. Read customer reviews: Customer reviews can give you an idea of the experiences of other companies. Consider the EORs’ efficiency in responding to customer requests and providing solutions. Reviews from their clients will let you allow you to compare their offers and the quality of their services.
5. Ensure compliance with all regulations: Lastly, it is essential to know that your potential EOR provider is reputable and in compliance with all employment regulations in Niger. These include operating in adherence to labor laws, tax regulations, safety regulations etc. This will ensure legal compliance and enable building trust with employees, your most important resource.
Get Ahead of the Curve with Borderless: Your Employer of Record of Choice
Let Borderless handle all the fuss while you focus on expanding your business in Niger.
Get the most out of your global workforce in Niger with the help of Borderless. Book a demo today and see how Borderless can help with your hiring needs.
Disclaimer
Borderless does not provide legal services or legal advice to anyone. This includes customers, contractors, employees, partners, and the general public. We are not lawyers or paralegals. Please read our full disclaimer here.
