Minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers to be increased HK$140 a month

The minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers will be increased by HK$140 to HK$4,870 per month, the government announced on Friday. 

As for the food allowance, if the employers choose not to provide free food to the helpers, it will be increased by HK$40 to not less than HK$1,236 a month. 

The new levels of the minimum wage and food allowance will apply to all contracts signed on or after Saturday (Sep 30). 

A spokesman said on Friday that the government has carefully considered Hong Kong’s general economic and labor market conditions over the past year, and the near-term economic outlook in this year’s review. 

The adjustments were made after considering those elements, as well as the affordability for employers and the livelihood of helpers. 

Contracts signed today or before today at the existing rate of HK$4,730 per month and with a food allowance of not less than HK$1,196 per month will still be processed by the Immigration Department, given that the applications reach the department’s office on or before October 27 (Fri).