Domestic Worker Salaries In Namibia

Who Is A Domestic Worker?

A domestic worker is a person who works within the scope of a residence. The term “domestic service” applies to the equivalent occupational category. In traditional English contexts, such a person was said to be “in service”. A person working as Domestic worker typically earn around NAD 1,564.39.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the minimum wage for domestic workers for 2019 in Namibia?

R19. 09 an hourThe National Minimum Wage Act that came into effect at the beginning of 2019 and is updated annually says domestic workers must earn a minimum wage of R19. 09 an hour from 1 March 2021. This is a basic wage so you cannot deduct any allowances from it such as accommodation, transport and food.

How many hours a day do domestic workers work in Namibia?

Employees are allowed to work: • A maximum of 45 ordinary hours per week; • 9 ordinary hours on any day if the domestic worker works for 5 days or less per week • 8 ordinary hours on any day if the domestic worker works for more than 5 days per week.

Do domestic workers get bonuses in Namibia?

Legally, an employer is not required to pay any bonus to a domestic worker at all, and the bonus amount is completely at the discretion of the employer, says Janit. Janit recommends making it very clear to staff that bonuses will be based on two factors: performance and affordability.

What is the minimum wage for domestic workers in Namibia?

Therefore, effective from the beginning of October 2018, the minimum wages for domestic workers has increased to N$1 564.39 per month, N$361.29 per week, N$72.25 per day, N$9.03 per hour and N$45.15 per day for part -time domestic workers who works five hours or less in any day other than a Sunday or public holiday.

Are domestic workers allowed in Level 4 in Namibia?

Only live-in domestic staff and childminders in private households – as well as those caring for the sick, mentally ill, elderly and people with disabilities – had been allowed to return to work as part of Level 4 rules.

How is domestic work leave pay calculated in Namibia?

Full-time employees who work from Monday to Friday are entitled to 21 consecutive days leave, which is 15 working days of paid leave per year (earned at 1.25 days of leave for every month worked). Part-time employees are entitled to one day’s paid leave for every 17 days worked.

Can domestic workers go back to work in Namibia during covid-19?

Until now, only live-in domestic workers, childminders and those staff who look after people with special needs, have been able to work. Covid-19 alert level 3 will take effect from Monday 1 June, which means that domestic workers will be able to return to work from this date.

How much is UIF for domestic workers in Namibia?

Unless a domestic worker works less than 24 hours a month, the employer is legally obliged to register the worker for UIF and make monthly payments to UIF, or yearly, by arrangement. These payments are a 1% contribution from the employer plus a 1% deduction from the employee’s wages.

What are the duties of a domestic worker in Namibia?

• caring for young children.
• collecting children from school or nursery school.
• baby-sitting.
• feeding and caring for pets.
• light garden duties.
• light sewing or mending.
• arranging flowers.

Is a gardener a domestic worker in Namibia?

A domestic worker is a gardener, driver or person who looks after children, the aged, sick, frail or disabled in a private household, but not on a farm.

Why are domestic workers important in Namibia?

Domestic work provides an important livelihood source for illiterate women or those with very little education. Domestic workers are often exploited at the hands of the so called placement agencies that lure workers from the rural areas to the cities, promising them lucrative salary, lifestyle and benefits.

What is the living conditions of domestic workers in Namibia?

Around the world, domestic workers are particularly vulnerable to human rights abuses with respect to their working conditions. They often work for excessively long hours, with little to no pay, and with almost no access to social protections.

Why is domestic work bad in Namibia?

Live-in domestic workers experience more isolation, less privacy and more limited mobility, work longer hours, and receive a larger share of payments in kind (such as board). Living conditions are frequently poor. They are also more vulnerable to physical/sexual abuse by employers.

What is the life of domestic workers in Namibia?

The lives of domestic workers are full of hardships. They do a lot of work in then employer’s house. They sweep and clean, wash clothes and dishes, cook different varieties of food, look after young children or the elderly. Their day usually begins at five in the early morning and ends at twelve in the night.

How are domestic workers treated by their employers in Namibia?

Domestic workers are often not treated well by their employers. Despite the hard work they do, their employers often do not show them much respect.