[Papua New Guinea] New minimum wage will take effect January 2026

In Papua New Guinea, the Minimum Wage Board has announced a new minimum wage rate, National Broadcasting Corporation reports.

The country’s national minimum wage will increase from K3.50 to K5.00 per hour, from January 1, 2026, rising by K1.50.

The new rate will reportedly grow by 25 toea annually, reaching K5.25 in 2027 and K5.50 in 2028.

Minimum Wage Board Chairlady Bevely Doiwa stated that the new rates will be officially gazetted and enforced from 2026.

Ms Doiwa said the decision followed a comprehensive review guided by the 2024 Minimum Wage Board terms of reference and was based on balancing workers’ welfare with business sustainability.

“The increase is the outcome of an exhaustive and consultative process that involved public hearings in 20 locations nationwide across 2024 and 2025,” she said.

Ms Doiwa reportedly added that the new rate would bring much-needed relief to workers and their families, ensuring a fair and just wage that reflects today’s economic realities.

“This is not a unilateral decision. It is a product of collaboration and consultation with all stakeholders,” she said.

Confirmation of the new minimum wage will be a relief for workers who have long-sought help with rising living costs, and will require businesses to adapt to the new wage structure.

Source: National Broadcasting Corporation

(Quotes via original reporting)

In Papua New Guinea, the Minimum Wage Board has announced a new minimum wage rate, National Broadcasting Corporation reports.

The country’s national minimum wage will increase from K3.50 to K5.00 per hour, from January 1, 2026, rising by K1.50.

The new rate will reportedly grow by 25 toea annually, reaching K5.25 in 2027 and K5.50 in 2028.

Minimum Wage Board Chairlady Bevely Doiwa stated that the new rates will be officially gazetted and enforced from 2026.

Ms Doiwa said the decision followed a comprehensive review guided by the 2024 Minimum Wage Board terms of reference and was based on balancing workers’ welfare with business sustainability.

“The increase is the outcome of an exhaustive and consultative process that involved public hearings in 20 locations nationwide across 2024 and 2025,” she said.

Ms Doiwa reportedly added that the new rate would bring much-needed relief to workers and their families, ensuring a fair and just wage that reflects today’s economic realities.

“This is not a unilateral decision. It is a product of collaboration and consultation with all stakeholders,” she said.

Confirmation of the new minimum wage will be a relief for workers who have long-sought help with rising living costs, and will require businesses to adapt to the new wage structure.

Source: National Broadcasting Corporation

(Quotes via original reporting)