The Government announced today that the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers will be raised by 3% to $4,870 per month. Additionally, under the Standard Employment Contract for hiring foreign domestic helpers, employers' food allowances will be increased by $40, reaching a minimum of $1,236 per month. Employers are required by law to provide their helpers with free food or pay them a food allowance.
These revised minimum wage and food allowance rates will be applicable to all contracts signed starting from tomorrow. Contracts signed today or earlier at the existing minimum rates will continue to be processed by the Immigration Department, provided the applications are submitted on or before October 27.
The Government conducts regular reviews of the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers. In this year's review, careful consideration was given to Hong Kong's overall economic and labor market conditions in the past year, the city's short-term economic prospects, employers' financial capacities, and the welfare of the helpers.
