The government on Monday announced a 2.2 percent pay rise for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong.

The minimum wage for the city’s migrant workers will go up to HK$5,100 per month from the current HK$4,990.

Their monthly food allowance remains at not less than HK$1,236, which is applicable if they are not provided with free meals by the employers.

“In this year's review, we comprehensively considered a basket of factors in accordance with the established mechanism, including Hong Kong's general economic performance and labour market conditions over the past year, near-term economic outlook, affordability of employers, basic living needs of foreign domestic workers and views of different stakeholders,” a government spokesman said.

The new rates will apply to contracts signed on or after Tuesday.

The government said contracts signed at the existing rates on or before Monday would still be processed, provided the applications arrive at the Immigration Department on or before October 27.