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Minimum Wage Set at €1,237 in Northern Cyprus – Unions Condemn 'Ridiculous' Amount

Published January 9, 2026, 18:10
Minimum Wage Set at €1,237 in Northern Cyprus – Unions Condemn 'Ridiculous' Amount

In Northern Cyprus, the minimum wage has been set at 60,618 Turkish Lira (approximately €1,237 gross) and 52,738 Turkish Lira (approximately €10.762 net) for the first half of 2026. The decision was made by a majority vote of the relevant committee. Trade unions have announced that they will appeal the decision, describing the increase as “ridiculously low”. On his side, the “Minister of Labour” in Northern Cyprus, Oguzhan Hasipoglu, announced that only those paid the minimum wage will receive a bonus of 12,000 Turkish Lira (approximately €245), half of which will be paid in advance over a six-month period. This bonus will only be granted to workers who are “citizens of the TRNC” and whose insurance contributions are paid based on the minimum wage. The aim of the bonus is to cover part of the minimum wage increase and protect workers from economic conditions. Ahmet Serdaroglu, president of the Hür-İş trade union, accused the “government” in Northern Cyprus of having no interest in cooperating with workers and of acting against the principle of equality.