Minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers increases with no change in food allowance

The HKSAR government announced today (Sept. 27) that the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong will be increased by 2.5 percent, from HK$4,870 to HK$4,990 per month.

In addition, under the Standard Employment Contract for hiring FDHs, employers are required to provide FDHs with food free of charge. At present, the vast majority of employers provide free food to FDHs. Employers may, however, choose to pay a food allowance in lieu. The food allowance will remain at not less than HK$1,236 per month.

The new level of MAW will apply to FDH contracts signed on or after tomorrow (September 28).

According to the government, FDH contracts signed today or before at the existing MAW of HK$4,870 per month will still be processed by the Immigration Department (ImmD), provided that the applications reach the ImmD on or before October 25 (Friday). This arrangement will give employers sufficient time to send the signed contracts to the ImmD for completion of the necessary application procedures.

Related News:

Direct subsidy, private, and international schools increase tuition by 4-5%