You are using an outdated browser and your browsing experience will not be optimal. Please update to the latest version of Microsoft Edge, Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox. Install Microsoft Edge

October 12, 2023

Changes to Minimum Wages in Myanmar

Myanmar has made important amendments to its minimum wage framework by increasing the minimum compensation for workers in both the public and private sectors.

Background

In May 2018, the National Committee for Setting the Minimum Wage determined that all workers in Myanmar should receive a minimum wage of MMK 4,800 per day (approx. USD 2.29), equivalent to MMK 600 per hour for an eight-hour workday. This rule applied to all workers, without differentiation in location or job.

Government Workers and Organizations

In September 2023, the Ministry of Planning and Finance announced that daily workers in government departments and organizations are entitled to receive an additional benefit of MMK 1,000 on top of their existing daily wage, which was already MMK 4,800. Consequently, they could earn a total of MMK 5,800 per day for eight hours of work.

Private-Sector Workers

On October 9, 2023, the national committee announced an increase of minimum wages for employees in the private sector. According to Notification No. 2/2023, workers at private-sector employers with more than 10 employees are now entitled to minimum compensation of MMK 5,800 per day (approx. USD 2.77)—an additional MMK 1,000 per eight-hour workday over the previously established minimum wage. The changes took effect on October 1, 2023.

For more details about these changes, or any aspect of employee compensation or employment law in Myanmar, please contact Tilleke & Gibbins at [email protected].

RELATED INSIGHTS​ 

July 5, 2017
The Thai government has focused on updating the Labor Protection Act (LPA) this year. The LPA was first amended on January 24, 2017. More recently, on June 29, the National Legislative Assembly (NLA) has approved further amendments that are now pending Royal endorsement. With the goal of encouraging local businesses and foreign investors to protect employees, the amendments address issues that the LPA did not fully cover in its previous form.Important provisions in the amendments to the LPA include:
May 26, 2017
Vietnam’s 2012 Labor Code, in effect since May 1, 2013, is being reviewed and revised by the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA), the body in charge of labor issues in Vietnam. The draft revised Labor Code (Draft) was originally expected to be placed on the agenda for approval by the National Assembly during its April-May 2017 meeting session. However, this has been postponed so that further studies can be conducted before finalization.
May 12, 2017
When an employee commits an offense against an employer or violates company work rules, the HR department usually plays a central role in advising management on how to proceed or take disciplinary action. However, sometimes HR may be unaware of, or may overlook, significant points that could impact a claim by the employee after the employer takes disciplinary action. This article will examine some common issues related to disciplinary actions that are often litigated in court.
May 5, 2017
As part of its membership in Lex Mundi, Tilleke & Gibbins has published an updated edition of its Guide to Doing Business in Thailand for 2019.This guide offers a broad introduction to all of the key factors for starting and operating a business in the Thai market. Issues covered include: