Domestic Workers in Namibia Set to Earn Close to N$4,000 per Month from 2026
By TUW
Domestic workers in Namibia are expected to see a significant improvement in their earnings starting in January 2026, following a phased minimum wage adjustment announced under Namibian labour regulations.
According to the Ministry of Labour, Industrial Relations and Employment Creation, the current minimum hourly wage for domestic workers, which stands at N$12 per hour, will increase by N$3 per hour beginning in January 2026, bringing the new rate to N$15 per hour. A further adjustment of N$3 per hour is scheduled for January 2027, raising the minimum wage to N$18 per hour.
The ministry used its official social media platforms to remind employers that compliance with the new wage structure is mandatory and forms part of government efforts to improve working conditions and income security for domestic workers across the country.
Monthly Salary Breakdown
Based on the 2026 minimum wage of N$15 per hour, a domestic worker who works a 10-hour day (for example, from 08h00 to 17h00, including extended duties), over 26 working days per month, would earn approximately:
- Daily wage:
N$15 × 10 hours = N$150 per day - Monthly wage (weekdays only):
N$150 × 26 days = N$3,900 per month
Domestic workers who are required to work weekends, public holidays, or additional overtime hours could see their monthly income rise to just over N$4,000, depending on the number of extra hours worked and whether overtime rates are applied.
Further Increase in 2027
From January 2027, when the hourly rate increases to N$18 per hour, the same working schedule would result in higher earnings:
- Daily wage:
N$18 × 10 hours = N$180 per day - Monthly wage:
N$180 × 26 days = approximately N$4,680 per month
This phased wage adjustment is aimed at ensuring gradual affordability for employers while steadily improving the livelihoods of domestic workers, many of whom form a critical part of household support systems across Namibia.
Employers Urged to Prepare
The Ministry of Labour has urged employers to prepare in advance for the upcoming changes and ensure that employment contracts, wage records, and payment structures are updated accordingly. Failure to comply with the prescribed minimum wage may result in penalties under Namibian labour laws.
The wage increase has been welcomed by worker advocacy groups, who argue that it is a step toward restoring dignity and fairness in a sector that has historically been underpaid, while balancing the realities faced by household employers.
