Rwanda’s legal framework is highly progressive and guarantees equal access to the labour market for refugees and Rwandan citizens. Under Law No. 13 ter/2014, refugees have the right to work without seeking a work permit, can apply for business licences under the same requirements as Rwandans, and can open bank accounts and access loans. There is no reported gap between policy and practice, and the right of refugees to access the labour market is being realised. However, despite progressive policies, refugees continue to struggle to achieve self-reliance. The large majority of refugees (91%) reside in camps where there are few private sector opportunities, and qualified refugees often work as volunteers or incentive workers for lower wages than Rwandan nationals. The report recommends improving refugees’ access to universities and ceasing incentive work practices in camps.
