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How to Report Unfair Dismissal and Labour Disputes in Malawi

updated on : Thursday, 1 Oct, 2026 · 2 min read · from 4 official sources

Close-up of a hand signing an at-will employment agreement on a wooden desk.
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Table of contents
  • You have three months from the date of dismissal to complain to the District Labour Officer about unfair dismissal8
  • The District Labour Officer has one month to settle the matter, after which you can refer it to court1
  • If the court finds unfair dismissal proved, you may be awarded reinstatement or other remedies18
  • Labour disputes can be settled through mediation between employer and worker by the Ministry of Labour2

If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed or have a labour dispute, you can file a complaint with the District Labour Officer. The Ministry of Labour handles settlement of labour complaints through mediation between employers and workers when a contract has been terminated.2

Making a complaint

You have the right to complain to the District Labour Officer within three months of the date of dismissal, regardless of whether notice was given or not.8 You can also complain to the District Labour Officer if your employer fails to provide an accurate pay statement or keep accurate wage records.1 If you are illiterate, blind or have a physical disability that prevents you from completing the complaint form, the labour officer or District Commissioner can help you fill it in and lodge it.5

How disputes are handled

The District Labour Officer will attempt to settle the matter through mediation between you and your employer.2 The District Labour Officer has one month to settle the matter.1 If the District Labour Officer fails to settle it within one month, you may refer the matter to court.18

Remedies if you win

If the court finds that your complaint of unfair dismissal is well founded, it can award you one or more remedies, including an order for reinstatement whereby you are treated in all respects as if you had not been dismissed.18

Official sources

  1. employment act labour.gov.mw · PDF
  2. Labour Services labour.gov.mw
  3. Malawi - Workers Compensation Act No. 7 of 31 March 2000 labour.gov.mw · PDF
  4. MALAWI GOVERNMENT judiciary.mw · PDF

Every fact in this guide comes from these official Government of Malawi pages, numbered to match. Fees, dates and rules change: confirm on the official site before you go. Spotted an error? Tell us.