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The Government announced today (September 2) that the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong would remain at $3,580 per month.
In addition, the food allowance in lieu of free food for FDHs will be increased from not less than $300 per month to not less than $740 per month. The new level will apply to all contracts signed on or after tomorrow (September 3).
A Government spokesman said, "The Government regularly reviews the MAW for FDHs and has decided to freeze the MAW level this year. The review takes account of Hong Kong's general economic and employment situation, as reflected through a basket of economic indicators including the relevant income movement, price change and labour market situation."
The Government has also reviewed the food allowance in lieu of free food this year and decided to raise it to the new level after taking account of the movement in the relevant consumer price indices.
"Under the Standard Employment Contract for hiring FDHs, employers are required to provide FDHs with food free of charge, but may choose to pay a food allowance in lieu of free food to FDHs."
"The option to allow employers to pay food allowance in lieu of free food serves merely to give them the flexibility to cater for special circumstances. In fact, the vast majority of employers at present provide food free of charge to FDHs."
Contracts signed today or before with the existing food allowance of not less than $300 will still be processed by the Immigration Department (ImmD) provided that the applications reach ImmD on or before September 30, 2009.
"This arrangement should allow sufficient time for employers to send the signed contracts to ImmD for completion of the necessary application procedures," he said.
Employers are free to pay their FDHs more than the MAW and minimum food allowance.
Ends/Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Issued at HKT 16:30
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