New Minimum Wage in Northern Cyprus Officially Approved

The TRNC Ministry of Labour and Social Security has finalized the new minimum wage for Northern Cyprus, which takes effect as of January 1, 2025. The updated wage rates are as follows:

• Hourly wage: 250.78 TL
• Daily wage: 2,006.26 TL
• Weekly wage: 10,031.30 TL
• Monthly wage: 43,469.00 TL (gross) / 37,818 TL (net, after taxes)

On January 30, the Minimum Wage Determination Commission reconvened to review objections from trade unions. The meeting included five government representatives, five union representatives, and three employer representatives.

During discussions, all sides expressed their views on what the minimum wage should be. When it came to a vote, government and employer representatives unanimously supported the decision, while union representatives walked out in protest.

Government Support for Minimum Wage Earners

Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Security Tahir Serhat announced that, following Prime Minister Ünal Üstel’s directive, the ministry has begun working on support measures for TRNC citizens earning the minimum wage.

Additionally, it was decided that a 30% lower wage will apply to young workers aged 15 to 17, who are legally classified as "apprentices."

Finalized Minimum Wage Rates (Effective January 1, 2025):

• Hourly: 250.78 TL
• Daily: 2,006.26 TL
• Weekly: 10,031.30 TL
• Monthly: 43,469.00 TL (before tax) / 37,818 TL (net)

The initial wage decision was made on January 17, when the Commission set the minimum wage at 37,818 TL per month (43,469 TL before tax). The decision passed by majority vote, but union representatives opposed it. A 10-day period was given for objections.

Following appeals from the Turkish Cypriot Trade Unions Federation (TÜRK-SEN), the TRNC Free Trade Unions Federation (KKTC Hür-İş), and the Cyprus Turkish Teachers' Union (KTÖS), the Council of Ministers sent the minimum wage decision back to the Commission for further review.