In short: Never travel on a promise. Your employment contract is the document that decides your salary, working hours, rest days and what happens if things go wrong. Read it, keep a copy, and make sure the job described in it is the job you are actually going to do.

What your contract should clearly state

• Your employer — the full name and address of the company or household employing you.
• Your job title and duties — specifically what work you will do. “Domestic worker” should be broken down into actual tasks.
• Your salary — the amount, the currency, the date you are paid, and how you are paid.
• Working hours and rest — daily hours, weekly rest day, and annual leave.
• Accommodation and food — what is provided, and whether anything is deducted from your pay for it.
• Medical cover — who pays for healthcare and insurance.
• Contract length — when it starts, how long it runs, and the notice period.
• Flights — who pays for your travel out and your return.
• Grievances — how to raise a complaint, and to whom.

Warning signs

• The contract is only in a language you cannot read, with no translation provided.
• You are asked to sign blank pages, or pages you are not allowed to read first.
• The salary is spoken about but not written down.
• The duties are vague, or you are told the details will be “sorted out there”.
• You are not given your own copy to keep.
• You are asked for large fees, or told to borrow money to pay for placement.

Contract substitution: the risk to understand

Contract substitution is when a worker signs one agreement at home and is then presented with a different, worse one on arrival — lower pay, longer hours, or different work altogether. It is one of the most common problems migrant workers face.

Protect yourself: keep your signed copy, photograph every page and email it to yourself and to a family member, and make sure someone at home has the details. If you are handed a different contract on arrival, do not assume you must sign it. Contact your recruitment agency, your training centre and the Ugandan mission serving your destination.

Your documents

Your passport is yours. Keep it in your possession where you can. Before you travel, make copies of your passport, visa, contract and medical records; leave one set with family and carry another separately from the originals.

Frequently asked questions

What if I do not understand the contract language?

Ask for a translation before signing, and ask your training centre to go through it with you. Any legitimate employer or agency will allow this.

Can my employer keep my passport?

Practices vary by country, but you should not hand over your documents casually. Raise it during orientation so you know what to expect and who to contact in your destination.

What if the salary is not paid on time?

Keep a written record of dates and amounts from the first day. Report non-payment to your agency and the Ugandan mission early rather than waiting months.

Contracts, laws and grievance procedures are covered in detail in MILTA’s pre-departure programme. See the training resources or contact us to find an accredited centre.