Windhoek: Minister of Justice and Labour Relations, Fillemon Wise Immanuel, has clarified the timelines for Namibia's new national minimum wage, stressing that while most sectors must comply immediately, agricultural workers, security guards, and domestic employees will implement the N.dollar 18 per hour rate gradually until 2027.

According to Namibia Press Agency, speaking during a Cabinet Committee briefing at the Government Information Centre on Friday, Immanuel explained that workers in the agricultural sector, the security industry, and domestic work will follow a phased approach. 'For these three categories, the N.dollar 18 per hour must be fully realised and implemented by 1 January 2027. In the meantime, there are interim rates that must be complied with from 1 January 2025 and again from 1 January 2026,' he said.

He noted that compliance monitoring has already intensified, with more than 1,300 workplace inspections conducted this year and 55 percent of employers found compliant with labour laws. Around 2,100 labour complaints were also resolved, leading to the recovery of N.dollar 1.3 million in unpaid wages for affected employees.

He further highlighted progress on ratifying international labour conventions, equity compliance among local employers, and ongoing reforms to improve the efficiency of dispute resolution at the Office of the Labour Commissioner.

On access to justice, the ministry has processed nearly 4,800 legal aid applications this year, with 57 percent approved, and is introducing an online tracking system for applicants. The minister concluded by reaffirming the ministry's commitment to building 'a fair, inclusive and resilient labour market' where workers' rights are safeguarded and employers are held accountable.