Labour (National Minimum Basic Wage) (Amendment) Order, 2025 Published

The Ministry of Caymanian Employment and Immigration (MCEI) advises the public that the Labour (National Minimum Basic Wage) (Amendment) Order, 2025, which establishes the new national minimum wage, has been published.

The Order introduces the following changes, which will take effect on 1 January 2026:

Minimum Wage (General) – All employees must be paid a minimum of CI$8.75 per hour (gross), unless specifically exempted and/or special provisions apply:

Minimum Wage for Service Employees– Service employees who work for a service employer with a registered gratuities scheme that has been formally approved in writing by the Director of the Department of Labour & Pensions (DLP) must be paid at least CI$6.56 per hour (gross). Importantly, employees are still entitled to keep all gratuities earned, on top of their regular wages.

Household Domestic Employees Living in the Employer’s Private Home – For household domestic employees who reside in their employer’s private home, no more than 25% of the CI$8.75 minimum wage may be provided as non-cash benefits (such as accommodation and utilities). This means that an in-kind contribution of CI$2.19 per hour may be credited toward the minimum wage for these benefits.

Employees Paid on Commission – For employees who earn commission, no more than 25% of CI$8.75 minimum wage or CI$2.19 per hour of earned commission may be applied toward meeting the minimum wage requirement. Applying commission toward minimum wage does not affect the employee’s legal entitlement to receive all commissions earned on top of their regular wages

For further information on minimum wage categories, exemptions, and detailed calculations, visit gov.ky/dlp or email minimumwage@gov.ky .