Hong Kong set to begin importing hundreds of carers from second half of 2027

The Hong Kong government plans to launch a pilot scheme in the second half of 2027 to import hundreds of specialized foreign domestic carers, with better pay than current helpers, according to Labour Minister Chris Sun Yuk-han. These carers will possess both specialized elderly care skills and general domestic abilities, having completed a 150-hour training course in their home countries.

Sun stated that concerns over the workers' ability to perform tasks will need to be addressed through a mechanism involving a professional organization.

Currently, Hong Kong has around 380,000 foreign domestic helpers, predominantly from the Philippines and Indonesia, primarily handling general housework. The Social Welfare Department has already sponsored 1,000 helpers to complete a 10-hour course on first aid and basic elderly care. The upcoming specialized carers will undergo a course similar to that of professional carers, designed and accredited by recognized industry bodies.

Despite their additional responsibilities, these carers will be paid between 10 and 20 percent more than standard domestic helpers, with their pay scale mechanism aligned with that of foreign domestic workers. The government also announced a 2.35 percent increase in the minimum wage for domestic workers to HK$5,220 (US$670) per month, effective from contracts signed on or after a specific date, along with free food or a food allowance of HK$1,236 monthly.

Sun emphasized the increasing stress on elderly carers, citing a survey by NGO Suicide Prevention Services, which found that 37 percent of 942 carers polled reported high stress levels. Hong Kong's elderly population, comprising 1.98 million people or 26 percent of the total population, is projected to rise to 36 percent by 2046.