Pay Boost for Foreign Domestic Helpers: Minimum Wage Jumps 2.5% to NT$4,990 Starting Tomorrow
- The Hong Kong government has announced a 2.5% increase in the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers, effective from tomorrow.
- The government reviews the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers on a regular basis, taking into account Hong Kong's economic and labor market conditions, as well as short-term...
- Employers can still submit contracts based on the current minimum wage of NT$4,870 per month for foreign domestic helpers on or before today for processing on or before...
Hong Kong Announces 2.5% Increase in Minimum Wage for Foreign Domestic Helpers
The Hong Kong government has announced a 2.5% increase in the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers, effective from tomorrow. The new minimum wage will be NT$4,990 per month, up from the current NT$4,870. The meal allowance will remain unchanged at no less than NT$1,236 per month.
The government reviews the minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers on a regular basis, taking into account Hong Kong’s economic and labor market conditions, as well as short-term economic prospects. After careful consideration, the government decided to adjust the minimum wage to balance the affordability of employers and the livelihood of foreign domestic helpers.
Employers can still submit contracts based on the current minimum wage of NT$4,870 per month for foreign domestic helpers on or before today for processing on or before October 25.
Cheung Chieh-man, chairman of the Hong Kong Employment Agency Association, noted that the industry had expected a higher increase of 5 to 6% in the minimum wage. He pointed out that the average monthly salary requirement for renewal of foreign domestic helpers after completing their contracts in Hong Kong is about NT$5,500, exceeding the newly revised minimum wage level.
Cheung also highlighted that neighboring countries and regions have introduced foreign domestic helpers with significantly higher salaries. For example, foreign domestic helpers in Japan and South Korea can earn 2 to 3 times more than those in Hong Kong, with salaries reaching up to HK$15,000. To attract and retain foreign domestic helpers, employers must offer competitive wages, or risk losing them to other countries.
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