Hong Kong to raise helpers’ monthly minimum wage to HK$5,220
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…
The Hong Kong government has increased the monthly minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers by 2.35 percent, raising it to HK$5,220 (US$665) per month. This adjustment applies to all contracts signed on or after Saturday. The current minimum wage of HK$5,100 for FDHs remains unchanged, with the food allowance also staying the same at no less than HK$1,236 per month.
Authorities cited "more favorable" socioeconomic factors in their decision, taking into account Hong Kong's general economic performance, labor market conditions, near-term economic outlook, and the affordability of FDH employers and basic living needs for the helpers. The Immigration Department will continue to process employment contracts signed before the wage increase using the previous threshold, as long as the submission is completed by the end of the month.
The proposed wage increase by trade unions and employers, however, fell short of their expectations, with unions advocating for HK$6,670 and employers requesting a pay freeze. Last year, the government raised the minimum wage by 2.2 percent, from HK$4,990, while maintaining the unchanged food allowance.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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