HK to pilot foreign domestic carers with higher pay

The Hong Kong government has announced a pilot scheme to allow foreign domestic carers with advanced training and experience to earn 10 to 20 percent more than existing helpers. This initiative aims to address the growing demand for capable helpers to care for elderly relatives, taking into account Hong Kong's ageing population.

The pilot will be modeled on the existing regime for admitting foreign domestic helpers. Speaking at a press conference, Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun highlighted the need for a certified elderly-care training framework and emphasized that applicants must have at least three years of experience in elderly care. Current helpers interested in becoming foreign domestic carers would need to return to their home countries, complete the required training, and meet qualifying standards before returning to work in Hong Kong.

The Labour Minister noted that discussions with source countries revealed that many young, capable individuals may be reluctant to work as foreign domestic helpers, suggesting that offering them a professional title and higher pay could be more appealing. Foreign domestic carers under the proposed system would still be allowed to perform household duties such as cooking.

The government has not imposed a quota for the pilot scheme, giving the public a choice to hire either domestic helpers or foreign domestic carers based on their specific needs.