The Government announced a 2.35 percent increase in the minimum wage of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong, raising the amount from HK$ 5,100 to HK$ 5,220 per month.
The decision was made after reviewing Hong Kong’s labour market conditions and general economic performance over the past year. The Government also considered the basic living needs of FDHs, employer affordability, and the city’s near-term economic outlook.
Foreign Domestic Helpers’ Minimum Wage Raised by 2.35%
The new minimum wage will apply to all FDH contracts signed on or after October 3, 2026, according to news.gov.hk. Meanwhile, contracts signed on or before October 2 will still be processed, as long as the applications are submitted to the Immigration Department no later than October 30.
Before the announcement, the Government consulted employers and FDHs, assessing the views of all parties and noting that this year’s socio-economic conditions are more favourable than last year’s review. It can be recalled that last year, the minimum wage was raised by 2.2 percent.
As for FDHs’ food allowance, which is given by some employers in lieu of free food, the amount will remain unchanged at HK$ 1,236 per month.
Increase Still Far from Living Wage – Labor Union
Meanwhile, groups representing domestic helpers say that the latest increase falls short of the living wage, the Hong Kong Free Press reported.
Sringatin, spokesperon for the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB), stated that while the HK$ 120 increase resulted from the collective struggle of migrant workers’ groups in the city, HK$ 5,200 is still far from the HK$ 6,172 living wage in Hong Kong.
The AMCB also demands that domestic helpers’ food allowance should be more than doubled to HK$ 3,123, in consideration of rising inflation and the rapid increase of standard living in the city.
Despite the critique from labour groups, the latest increase in minimum wage is bound to benefit around 400,000 foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. Of these, more than 200,000 are Filipino domestic helpers who are supporting their families back home.
For those who are planning to work in Hong Kong as domestic helpers, it’s important to know everything about your job contract. Read this article which explains the FDH employment contract for domestic helpers.