The Government announced today (September 29) that the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong will be increased by 2.2 per cent, from $4,990 to $5,100 per month.
 
     In addition, under the Standard Employment Contract for hiring FDHs, employers are required to provide FDHs with food free of charge. At present, the vast majority of employers provide free food to FDHs, but they may choose to pay a food allowance in lieu. The food allowance will remain unchanged at no less than $1,236 per month.
 
     The new MAW level will apply to all FDH contracts signed on or after tomorrow (September 30).
 
     A Government spokesman said, "The Government regularly reviews the MAW for FDHs to ensure its level is commensurate with Hong Kong's economic and labour market conditions. In this year's review, we comprehensively considered a basket of factors in accordance with the established mechanism, including Hong Kong's general economic performance and labour market conditions over the past year, near-term economic outlook, affordability of FDH employers, basic living needs of FDHs and views of different stakeholders. Taking into account all the relevant factors in a holistic manner, the Government has decided to increase the MAW to $5,100 per month. The Government has also reviewed the food allowance in lieu of free food and decided that the level should remain unchanged."
 
     FDH contracts signed today or before at the existing MAW of $4,990 per month will still be processed by the Immigration Department (ImmD), provided that the applications reach the ImmD on or before October 27 (Monday). This arrangement allows employers sufficient time to submit signed contracts to the ImmD for completion of relevant application procedures.

Ends/Monday, September 29, 2025
Issued at HKT 16:30

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