Foreign Domestic Helpers’ Minimum Wage

Foreign domestic helpers working in Hong Kong are protected by the statutory Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) set by the Hong Kong Government from time to time. Compared with other regions that employ foreign domestic workers, Hong Kong offers a relatively competitive salary and employment benefits, which have consistently attracted workers from the Philippines and Indonesia over the years.

When reviewing the MAW, the Government takes into consideration several factors, including Hong Kong’s overall economic performance, labour market conditions, cost of living, inflation rate, employers’ affordability, and opinions from various sectors of society. After an internal review, the Government decides whether to adjust the wage level.

Historically, the Government has announced the applicable MAW for foreign domestic helpers almost every year. The adjustment results are published by the Labour and Welfare Bureau and implemented through the Immigration Department. All employment contracts for foreign domestic helpers must comply with the MAW in effect at the time of signing. Employers who pay below the statutory minimum wage are in violation of government regulations and may be subject to criminal prosecution.

Below is the minimum allowable wage for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong since 2005:

Effective Date	Minimum Allowable Wage (HKD)
19 May 2005	3,320
30 May 2006	3,400
5 June 2007	3,480
1 July 2008	3,580
2009	3,580 (Frozen)
2010	3,580 (Frozen)
1 June 2011	3,740
30 September 2012	3,920
2013	3,920 (Frozen)
30 September 2014	4,010
26 August 2015	4,110
30 September 2017	4,310
28 September 2018	4,410
28 September 2019	4,520
2020	4,630 (Frozen)
2021	4,630 (Frozen)
1 October 2022	4,730
30 September 2023	4,870
28 September 2024	4,990
30 September 2025	5,100

In addition, if employers do not provide free food, they must pay a food allowance. In 2025, the amount of the food allowance must not be less than HKD 1,236 per month. The food allowance is calculated separately from the MAW, and the contract must specify an amount not lower than this standard to ensure the helper’s basic living needs are protected. Some employers may also choose to offer a higher food allowance to make their job offers more attractive.

We hope the above information provides a clear overview of the wage development for foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong. If you have any inquiries about hiring a domestic helper, please feel free to contact our company for assistance.