Minimum Wage for Foreign Domestic Helpers Rises 2.35% to HK$5,220 a Month for Contracts Signed from October 3
HONG KONG — The Hong Kong SAR Government announced on October 2 that the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) will rise by 2.35%, from HK$5,100 to HK$5,220 per month, an increase of HK$120. The new rate applies to all FDH contracts signed on or after October 3.
Under transitional arrangements, contracts signed on or before October 2 at the existing rate of HK$5,100 will still be processed by the Immigration Department, provided the applications reach the department no later than October 30. Employers who signed with a helper before the new rate takes effect can therefore still complete visa procedures at the old rate if they file within the deadline, while every contract signed from October 3 must meet the new HK$5,220 floor.
The Government also reviewed the food allowance paid in lieu of free food and decided to keep it unchanged, at no less than HK$1,236 per month. Employers may either provide free food or pay an allowance at or above that level.
In setting the new wage, the Government said it followed the established mechanism and considered Hong Kong's general economic performance and labour market conditions over the past year, the near-term economic outlook, employer affordability and the basic living needs of FDHs. Employers and helpers were consulted during the review. The Government said the adjustment was made after carefully assessing and balancing the views of all parties, noting that this year's socio-economic factors are more favourable than at last year's review.
The FDH minimum wage is reviewed annually. Foreign domestic helpers underpin the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of Hong Kong households, caring for children and the elderly and running homes, so a change in the wage floor affects both family budgets and the remittances helpers send home. Households employing or planning to hire a helper should note the cut-off dates for old-rate contracts and the October 30 filing deadline.
(Source: Hong Kong Government news service)
Source: Hong Kong Government news service
Published by GSM · USA (original Chinese edition)
Photo: 资料图：外籍家庭佣工在休假日于金钟一带休息聚会，Alfresco24 摄，CC BY 3.0（Wikimedia Commons）
