Hong Kong raises foreign domestic workers' minimum wage by 2.35 per cent
Hong Kong's labour chief defended a 120 Hong Kong dollar monthly increase in the minimum wage for foreign domestic workers, calling it a balanced adjustment based on economic data. The 2.35 per cent rise, effective 3 October, was calculated using established mechanisms that consider inflation, econo
The Hong Kong government has raised the minimum wage for foreign domestic workers by HK$120 a month, a 2.35 per cent increase, from 3 October. Secretary for Labour and Welfare Mr. Chan Kwok-kin said the adjustment, which brings the pay floor to about HK$5,220, was based on a long-standing mechanism that takes into account economic performance, inflation and employers' income.
Speaking to reporters on 3 October, Mr. Chan defended the increase against criticism from unions who had sought a monthly wage above HK$6,000. He said the government considered all relevant data before making a balanced decision. “We feel this adjustment meets the existing mechanism and is a balanced approach,” he said.
The secretary noted that the average annual increase in the minimum wage has been between 2 and 2.5 per cent over many years. Last year, the government raised the wage by HK$110. This year's HK$120 rise reflects improved economic conditions compared with the previous year, he said.
Mr. Chan pointed out that the government had frozen the minimum wage during the Covid-19 pandemic when the economy was in difficulty. When economic data are positive, he said, the government makes “reasonable and moderate” increases within the 2 to 2.5 per cent range.
Hong Kong has about 380,000 foreign domestic workers, who provide essential care for children and the elderly, the secretary said. He stressed that the adjustment was carefully managed to ensure the system remains sustainable for both employers and workers.
On a separate matter, Mr. Chan was asked about a child identified as Danny who requires frequent hospital care. The secretary said all children under the care of the Social Welfare Department's residential homes receive standard care, and that professional medical attention is sought when needed. He assured the public that the department takes good care of all children in its custody.