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The Government announced today (June 1) that the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong will be increased by $160 (or 4.5%) from $3,580 to $3,740 per month.
Apart from this, the food allowance in lieu of free food for FDHs will also be increased by $25 (or 3.3%), from not less than $750 to not less than $775 per month. The new levels of the MAW and food allowance will apply to all contracts signed on or after tomorrow (June 2).
A Government spokesman said, "The Government regularly reviews the MAW for FDHs and has decided to increase the MAW level this year. The review takes into account 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 index."
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 pay a food allowance in lieu of free food rests with employers and serves to give them the flexibility to cater for special circumstances. In reality, the vast majority of employers at present provide food free of charge to FDHs," the spokesman said.
Contracts signed today or before with the existing MAW of $3,580 and food allowance of not less than $750 will still be processed by the Immigration Department (ImmD), provided that the applications can reach ImmD on or before June 29, 2011.
This arrangement should allow sufficient time for employers to send the signed contracts to ImmD for completion of the necessary application procedures.
Employers are free to pay their FDHs more than the MAW and minimum food allowance.
Ends/Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:36
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