Hong Kong raises minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers to HK$5,220; old-rate contracts must reach Immigration by 30 October

Hong Kong has raised the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers by 2.35% to HK$5,220 a month, and the Migrant Workers Office in Hong Kong has urged agencies and employers to follow the new rate.

The Hong Kong government has increased the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers by 2.35%, from HK$5,100 to HK$5,220 a month. The new minimum applies to all contracts signed from 3 October 2026, according to the government announcement and the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong.

Contracts signed on or before 2 October at the old rate will still be processed by the Immigration Department, provided the applications reach the department no later than 30 October, the government said.

The government also reviewed the food allowance and kept it unchanged. Employers who give helpers a cash allowance in lieu of free food must pay at least HK$1,236 a month.

In reviewing the wage, the government said it considered Hong Kong's economic performance and labour market conditions, the near-term outlook, employer affordability and the basic living needs of helpers, and consulted employers and helpers.

MWO Hong Kong said in an advisory that Filipino domestic helpers whose contracts do not reflect the updated minimum pay could see their papers delayed or rejected, and called on accredited foreign recruitment agencies and employers to follow the revised guidelines, The Global Filipino Magazine reported. Workers, employers and agencies with questions may contact MWO Hong Kong at 2866 0640 or 5529 1880, or email mwo_hongkong@dmw.gov.ph.

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