"PRIORITIZATION OF ZAMBIAN CITIZENS IN EMPLOYMENT ALREADY ENFORCED" -TAMBATAMBA

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Posted by admin on February 19, 2026 at 1:33 AM

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Minister of Labour and Social Security Brenda Mwika Tambatamba, MP, has reaffirmed that the prioritization of Zambian citizens in employment opportunities is already being enforced under the Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.

Section 14 of the Employment Code Act requires employers to first consider Zambian citizens when filling vacancies.

Expatriate recruitment is only permissible where there is a demonstrable skills gap or no suitable citizen applicants.

Employers must also ensure structured skills transfer to local employees when hiring expatriates.

The Minister’s remarks came during a parliamentary debate on a motion raised by Christopher Kang’ombe, MP for Kamfinsa, regarding enforcement of Section 10(2) of the Geological and Minerals Development Act No. 2 of 2025, which also prioritizes Zambians in mining jobs.

Tambatamba explained that mining companies are under a statutory obligation to give first consideration to qualified Zambians.

The Ministry of Labour has intensified enforcement through Routine labour inspections, Compliance monitoring of recruitment practices and Collaboration with the Department of Immigration under the Immigration and Deportation Act No. 18 of 2010.

Before an employment permit is granted to a non-citizen, employers must prove that efforts were made to recruit Zambians.

Minister of Mines and Minerals Development Paul Kabuswe noted that 97% of jobs in the mining sector are held by locals, with expatriates accounting for only 3%.

He emphasized that government is actively implementing the law through the Local Content Bill and the Geological and Minerals Development Act.