Minimum Wage For Helpers To Go Up By HK$100

Foreign domestic helpers signing new contracts will get a HK$100 pay rise starting October 1.

The monthly pay floor is to be raised from HK$4,630 to HK$4,730 – an increase of 2.2 percent.

The monthly food allowance for helpers will also increase by HK$23, to no less than HK$1,196. Employers can opt to pay their helpers the allowance if they don't provide them with free food.

The government said a number of factors were considered before it decided on the pay rise.

"We have carefully considered Hong Kong's general economic and labour market conditions over the past year, as well as Hong Kong's near-term economic outlook, including the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic in this year's review," a spokesman said.

"Taking into account the above, affordability for employers and the livelihood of foreign domestic helpers, the government has decided to adjust the minimum allowable wage level."

The spokesperson added that contracts signed on September 30 or before at the pre-adjusted level will still be processed – provided they reach the Immigration Department within the next four weeks.

Sringatin, a spokesperson for the Asian Migrants Coordinating Body, said while the increase is welcome, helpers actually need more money to stay afloat in Hong Kong.

"Increasing HK$100 after a three-year freeze, is insulting the value of the work of migrant domestic workers in Hong Kong," she told RTHK.

"If we compare with the consumption, the price hike, everything's increased–we cannot cope with [a HK$100 increase]."

She said her group demands a pay rise of nearly HK$1,400 to HK$6,014.

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