The situation
Labour authorities have published new statutory minimum wage levels for 2018 for several economic sectors, effective April 1, 2018.
A closer look
The new national monthly minimum wages are as follows:
Impact
Since government fees are calculated based on the minimum salaries for each sector, foreign nationals will see an increase in the government fees for work permit applications.
Although this rule applies retroactively to salary payments made as of April 1, since foreign nationals typically earn more than the national minimum wage, there is a low level of impact to employers employing foreign workers.
Looking ahead
The government has approved the new minimum wage amounts, but until the wages are published in the government gazette, the amounts are not final. Any change in amounts, however, would have a minimal impact, and likely would only minimally affect government fees.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen or send an email to [email protected].
Explore more at Fragomen
Awards
Eight Fragomen professionals in Mexico City recognized in The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ 2026 edition for excellence in Immigration Law.
Fragomen news
Partner Blake Chisam discusses DHS’s proposed rule expanding biometric data collection and continuous vetting, outlining key privacy and compliance implications for employers.
Fragomen news
Video
Senior Manager Fatima Aydin breaks down Irish citizenship by descent, a popular pathway for individuals of Irish ancestry to secure Irish citizenship and passport.
Awards
Fragomen is recognized at the National Tier 1 level for Immigration Law in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms – United States, with 15 offices across the country also recognized for their excellence in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen receives Altair Global’s 2025 Super Star Award for Humanitarian Commitment, honoring the firm’s leadership in advancing humanitarian mobility initiatives.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s 2025 federal budget and its significant shift in immigration policy including new limits on international student permits and temporary residents.
Fragomen news
Fragomen news
Fragomen is cited in the UK House of Lords’ landmark report, “The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out,” published on 4 November by the UK Engagement with Space Committee.
Blog post
Manager Zaur Gasimov discusses Georgia’s new immigration and labour-migration reforms introducing mandatory work permits, stricter employer compliance requirements and increased penalties for non-compliance.
Awards
Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.
Awards
Eight Fragomen professionals in Mexico City recognized in The Best Lawyers in Mexico™ 2026 edition for excellence in Immigration Law.
Fragomen news
Partner Blake Chisam discusses DHS’s proposed rule expanding biometric data collection and continuous vetting, outlining key privacy and compliance implications for employers.
Fragomen news
Video
Senior Manager Fatima Aydin breaks down Irish citizenship by descent, a popular pathway for individuals of Irish ancestry to secure Irish citizenship and passport.
Awards
Fragomen is recognized at the National Tier 1 level for Immigration Law in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms – United States, with 15 offices across the country also recognized for their excellence in immigration law.
Awards
Fragomen receives Altair Global’s 2025 Super Star Award for Humanitarian Commitment, honoring the firm’s leadership in advancing humanitarian mobility initiatives.
Media mentions
Partner Rick Lamanna discusses Canada’s 2025 federal budget and its significant shift in immigration policy including new limits on international student permits and temporary residents.
Fragomen news
Fragomen news
Fragomen is cited in the UK House of Lords’ landmark report, “The Space Economy: Act Now or Lose Out,” published on 4 November by the UK Engagement with Space Committee.
Blog post
Manager Zaur Gasimov discusses Georgia’s new immigration and labour-migration reforms introducing mandatory work permits, stricter employer compliance requirements and increased penalties for non-compliance.
Awards
Senior Associate Agata Danuta Richardson is recognized with a prestigious Pro Bono Publico Award by the Casa Cornelia Law Center.
Media mentions
Frankfurt Managing Partner Dr. Axel Boysen highlights the growing skilled labor gap as Europe’s defense industry expands.