Previous Next 
                             Oversight Responsibility of the Ministry

 The Social Security Commission

The Commission primarily provides a social protection floor through the provision of welfare benefits, thus addressing socio-economic needs and promoting welfare. Such benefits include an income whilst on maternity or as sick leave. The benefits also extend to include payment for permanent disability, payment upon retirement or upon death of a member.

 

The Labour Advisory Council

This is a tripartite body comprising representatives from the State, Employers’ federations and Workers’ representatives, which serves to advise the Minister on Labour matters, as well as to make recommendations pertaining to national policy.

 

The Employment Services Board

The Board was established to advise the Minister on legislation pertaining to the provision of employment services and regulation of Private Employment Agencies.

nmw_home

        NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE (NMW)

WHAT IS THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE (NMW)?

The National Minimum Wage is the lowest hourly rate an employer can legally pay an employee. It protects workers from unfairly low pay and promotes decent living standards across all sectors.

WHAT YOU CAN DO !

Know the National Minimum Wage and the sectoral phased in rates. Keep records of your hours worked and payments Report underpayment and unfair treatment

EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITY

Employers are required to:Adjust pay rates as per the new hourly wages on the effective dates. Maintain accurate wage and attendance records. Ensure compliance with all provisions of the Labour Act, 2007 (Act No. 11 of 2007). Allow labour inspectors access to verify compliance during inspections. Failure to comply with the minimum wage order constitutes an offence and may be liable to a fine not exceeding N$10 000 or to be imprisoned for a period not exceeding two years imprisonment or to both the fine and imprisonment

WHAT DOES THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE INCLUDE AND EXCLUDE?

It includes money payable for ordinary hours of work. It excludes allowances, food or accomodation value, overtime, Sunday/public holiday pay, and other benefits

LEGAL FRAMEWORK FOR THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE

The National Minimum Wage is established under Section 13 of the Labour Act, 2007, through the Wage Order for Setting the National Minimum Wage for Employees. This ensures that every worker, regardless of job type, earns a fair and regulated wage.

WHO IS COVERED BY THE NATIONAL MINIMUM WAGE

The National Minimum Wage applies to all workers in Namibia, full-time, part-time, or temporary employees but excludes Namibian Defence Force, Police force, Prison Services and Namibian Central Intelligence Service.

Effective Date Hourly Rate (N$) Incremental Increase
1 January 2025 N$ 12.00 per hour -
1 January 2026 N$ 15.00 per hour + N$ 3.00
1 January 2027 N$ 18.00 per hour + N$ 3.00
Effective Date Hourly Rate (N$) Incremental Increase
1 January 2025 N$ 10.00 per hour -
1 January 2026 N$ 14.00 per hour + N$ 4.00
1 January 2027 N$ 18.00 per hour + N$ 4.00
Effective Date Hourly Rate (N$) Incremental Increase
1 January 2025 N$ 13.50 per hour -
1 January 2026 N$ 16.00 per hour + N$ 2.50
1 January 2027 N$ 18.00 per hour + N$ 2.00

With effect from 01 January 2025, the National Minimum Wage is set at N$18.00 per hour as the national benchmark for fair pay. Domestic, agricultural, and security workers will progressively reach this rate through phased annual increases up to 2027.

2025 (Effective as at 01 January)
Worker Category Overtime (1.5x) Sunday/Public Holiday (2x)
Any other workers 27.00/hour 36.00/hour
Domestic workers 18.00/hour 24.00/hour
Agriculture workers 15.00/hour 20.00/hour
Security workers 20.25/hour 27.00/hour
2026 (Effective as at 01 January)
Worker Category Overtime (1.5x) Sunday/Public Holiday (2x)
Any other workers 27.00/hour 36.00/hour
Domestic workers 22.50/hour 30.00/hour
Agriculture workers 21.00/hour 28.00/hour
Security workers 24.00/hour 32.00/hour
2027 (Effective as at 01 January)
Worker Category Overtime (1.5x) Sunday/Public Holiday (2x)
Any other workers 27.00/hour 36.00/hour
Domestic workers 27.00/hour 36.00/hour
Agriculture workers 27.00/hour 36.00/hour
Security workers 27.00/hour 36.00/hour

 

                            MEDIA RELEASE