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The Government announced today (May 30) that, with effect from tomorrow (May 31), the minimum allowable wage for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong would be increased by $80 from $3,320 to $3,400 per month.
The new minimum allowable wage will apply to employment contracts signed on or after May 31, this year.
The minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers is reviewed regularly in the light of Hong Kong's general economic and employment situation as reflected through a basket of economic indicators which include the relevant income movement, price change and labour market situation.
Employment contracts signed on or before May 30 this year at a wage level not lower than the prevailing minimum wage of $3,320 per month will still be processed by the Immigration Department, provided that the applications reach the department on or before June 27 this year. This is to allow time for employers whose contracts are signed on or before May 30 to complete the necessary procedure before submitting their applications to the department.
Any employer who pays less than the wage as stated in the existing employment contract commits an offence under the Employment Ordinance and is liable, on conviction, to a maximum fine of $350,000 and three years' imprisonment.
Employers are free to pay more than the minimum wage to their helpers.
Ends/Tuesday, May 30, 2006
Issued at HKT 16:31
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