Labour Law and Social Security
Core concepts
Labour law in Angola is governed by the General Labour Law, which regulates the individual employment contract, working time, remuneration, holidays, termination, and collective bargaining. Candidates must understand the distinction between contrato de trabalho por tempo indeterminado and fixed-term contracts, the probation period, the grounds for lawful dismissal (objective and disciplinary), and the mandatory prior hearing of the worker. Social security covers contributory and non-contributory benefits, including old-age, invalidity, and survivors' pensions, and the role of the National Institute of Social Security.
Traps
A frequent trap is treating a dismissal as lawful without the required disciplinary procedure, including written notice and the worker's right to respond. Questions also confuse just cause (serious misconduct) with objective grounds (economic or technological). Watch for the rule that fixed-term contracts are exceptional and must be justified in writing, and for the prohibition of discrimination and of dismissal of pregnant workers without cause.
Rule of thumb
For any dismissal question, verify: lawful ground, correct procedure, written form, and timely notice or compensation. Missing any element makes the dismissal unlawful.
Worked example
A worker is dismissed for repeated lateness without any written warning or hearing. Even if the facts are true, the absence of a disciplinary procedure renders the dismissal unlawful, entitling the worker to reinstatement or compensation.