How can someone apply for formal employment in Samoa?

They can use the free MCIL Jobs Portal, apply through the PSC's weekly Public Service Official Circular, submit an application directly to a registered employer or seek an apprenticeship. The MCIL portal requires a profile, CV and online application.

What written contract is required for employment lasting more than two months in Samoa?

The employer and employee must have a written contract in Samoan or English. The contract is prepared in three originals for the employer, employee and Chief Executive Officer on request, and should state the work, pay and other agreed conditions.

What minimum wage applies to private-sector and state-owned employment in Samoa?

The minimum wage for private and state-owned employment is WST 5.24 per hour from 1 July 2026, rising to WST 5.65 from 1 July 2027 and WST 6.05 from 1 July 2028. These rates do not apply to employment governed by the Public Service Act 2004.

Which working-time and leave protections apply to employees in Samoa?

The standard maximum is 40 hours per week and 8 hours per day, excluding meal breaks. After 12 months of continuous service, employees generally receive at least 10 paid annual-leave days and 10 paid sick-leave days, with additional rules for medical certificates, carry-forward and maternity or paternity leave.

What happens when employment ends in Samoa?

Notice for an indefinite contract generally ranges from one to eight weeks according to length of service, while fixed-term or task employment ends at expiry or completion. Final pay, including wages and accrued annual leave, must be provided no later than five working days after termination.

How can a non-citizen obtain permission to work in Samoa?

A non-citizen, non-permanent resident or non-authorised temporary resident must obtain an employment permit before starting work, and the employer applies through MCIL. The FEEP is tied to the approved employer and role, can run for up to three years under current MCIL guidance, and requires a separate residence permit.

Employment in Samoa

Employment in Samoa includes private-sector jobs, state-owned enterprises, public service positions, NGO work, apprenticeships and approved overseas work programmes. The main local routes are the MCIL Jobs Portal, the Public Service Commission's weekly circular, direct applications to registered employers and the Samoa Apprenticeship Training Scheme. Employment conditions depend on the contract, the employer's sector and whether the Public Service Act 2004 or the Labour and Employment Relations Act applies.

Tip

Choose the employment route that matches your status, target sector and intended location, then verify the written terms before committing to work. Pay, working hours, leave, termination rules and permit requirements can differ between private employment, public service, apprenticeship and overseas programmes. Keep the contract, pay statements and application records so you can check entitlements or raise a grievance with MCIL if necessary.

byMele&Sione

The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Labour (MCIL) Jobs Portal lists verified local vacancies in the private sector, public service, state-owned enterprises and NGOs. The portal is free; an applicant creates a profile, uploads a CV and applies online. The Public Service Commission (PSC) publishes a weekly Public Service Official Circular for contract, permanent and project positions. A public-service application normally uses PSC Form 2 and the relevant job description and is submitted to the responsible ministry. Applicants can also apply directly to registered employers. Public service employment follows the Public Service Act 2004, while private and state-owned employment generally follows the Labour and Employment Relations Act 2013, its 2023 amendment and the 2025 regulations.