Hong Kong Raises Minimum Wage for Foreign Domestic Helpers to HK$5,220
Food allowance remains unchanged at HK$1,236 per month following review of socioeconomic factors.
Quick Look
Hong Kong authorities raised the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers by 2.35% to HK$5,220 per month, citing favorable socioeconomic factors, while food allowances remain unchanged at HK$1,236.
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Why It Matters
Hong Kong regularly reviews and adjusts minimum wage rates for foreign domestic helpers based on socioeconomic indicators.
Hong Kong authorities have raised the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers by more than 2 per cent to HK$5,220 (US$665) per month, while their food allowance will be unchanged, citing “more favourable” socioeconomic factors.
The government announced on Friday that the current minimum wage of HK$5,100 for foreign domestic helpers, or FDHs, would be increased by 2.35 per cent, and the adjusted salary would apply to all such contracts signed on or after Saturday.
While most employers provided free food to their helpers, they could choose to pay a food allowance in lieu, with this amount to remain unchanged at no less than HK$1,236 per month, authorities added.
“In this year’s review, we comprehensively considered a basket of socio-economic factors in accordance with the established mechanism, including Hong Kong’s general economic performance and labour market conditions over the past year, near-term economic outlook, affordability of FDH employers and basic living needs of FDHs,” a spokesman said.
Open Questions
- How many foreign domestic helpers will be affected by this wage increase?
