The government announced on Friday that the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong will rise from HK$5,100 to HK$5,220 per month – an increase of 2.35 percent.

The new wage level will apply to all contracts signed on or after October 3.

In a statement, the government also said the food allowance, in lieu of free food, will remain unchanged at HK$1,236 after taking into account consumer price index changes.

"The government regularly reviews the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers to ensure its level is commensurate with Hong Kong's economic and labour market conditions, taking into account the interests of both employers and domestic helpers," a spokesman said.

He said the government considered a range of socioeconomic factors under the established mechanism in making the changes, including the city's economic performance and labour market conditions over the past year, the near-term outlook, employers' affordability and helpers' basic living needs.


Edited by Edmond Fong