Minimum wage for HK domestic workers rises 2.35%, but advocate says still ‘far from’ a living wage

The Hong Kong government has increased the minimum wage for over 380,000 foreign domestic workers by 2.35%, raising it from HK$5,100 to HK$5,220 per month, according to the latest government announcement. The food allowance for domestic workers, which employers must pay if they do not provide free meals, remains unchanged at HK$1,236 per month.

This new minimum wage will be applicable to all contracts signed on or after Saturday, October 3. The government claimed it considered the views of both employers and domestic workers before deciding on the 2.35% increase. Last year, the minimum wage was increased by 2.2%. The government noted that this year's socio-economic factors are more favorable compared to the time of the last review.

However, advocates for domestic workers argue that the wage increase is still far from a living wage. The Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB) has demanded an increase to HK$6,172, which represents a 21% hike, and a more substantial rise in the food allowance, more than doubling it to HK$3,123. AMCB spokesperson Sringatin stated that the HK$120 increase results from the collective struggle of migrant workers in the city, but the current minimum wage is "far from the HK$6,172 living wage in Hong Kong."

She added that the piecemeal increase offers little relief due to the rapid increase in inflation and the rising standard of living in Hong Kong.