3rd October 2026 – (Hong Kong) The government has announced that the minimum allowable wage for foreign domestic helpers will rise by 2.35 per cent from HK$5,100 to HK$5,220 per month, while the monthly food allowance remains at not less than HK$1,236. Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun said today the adjustment follows the established mechanism and reflects a balanced approach after considering all relevant factors.
Mr Sun explained that the long‑standing review process assesses data including Hong Kong’s economic performance, inflation and employers’ income conditions before deciding whether and by how much to adjust the wage. He noted that when overall indicators are positive, a reasonable and measured increase is applied. Over many years, the average annual rise has typically ranged between about two and two and a half per cent. With the economy performing better this year than last, the increase is HK$120, compared with HK$110 in the previous review.
He added that around 380,000 foreign domestic helpers are currently employed in Hong Kong, caring for children and elderly people in many households, and that any change must be handled prudently to maintain a workable balance that the community can absorb. Adhering to the existing mechanism and evaluating comprehensive data to reach a balanced outcome remains, he said, the most appropriate course.
