Foreign Domestic Helper Minimum Wage 2024
On September 27, 2024, the Hong Kong government announced an increase in the minimum wage for foreign domestic helper. The new minimum wage will rise from the current $4,870 per month to $4,990, a 2.5% increase (an additional $120 per month). This new wage applies to contracts signed from September 28, 2024. The meal allowance remains unchanged at a minimum of $1,236 per month.
Reasons for the Wage Review
The Hong Kong government regularly reviews the wages of foreign domestic helpers. This increase was based on various factors, including the economy over the past year, labor market trends, short-term economic prospects, employers' ability to pay, and the living needs of the helpers. While the increase is modest, the government believes it will help improve the quality of life for foreign domestic helpers.
Other Employer Responsibilities
Employers must meet several other obligations besides paying the minimum wage:
Free meals or allowance: Employers must provide free meals or an allowance instead.
Accommodation: Foreign domestic helpers must live with the employer, and employers must provide suitable living space.
Insurance: Employers are required to purchase labor insurance for the domestic helper. They are also expected to provide free medical care, as per the standard employment contract. Many insurance companies offer comprehensive domestic helper insurance plans covering medical and dental care.
Rest days and holidays: Foreign domestic helpers must get one day off every seven days and are entitled to paid annual leave and statutory holidays.
Return ticket home: Employers must provide a return ticket home every two years so that the helper can visit their family after completing their contract.
Wage Increases Over the Past 5 Years
Here is a summary of wage increases for domestic helpers over the past five years:
2020: $4,630 (no increase)
2021: $4,630 (no increase)
2022: $4,730 (+2.2%)
2023: $4,870 (+3.0%)
2024: $4,990 (+2.5%)
Wages have been steadily increasing over the last five years, especially in response to economic and inflationary pressures.
Comparison of Foreign Domestic Helper Wages in Asia
Hong Kong’s foreign domestic helper wages are moderate compared to other Asian areas:
Japan: $12,000 - $15,000 per month, which is 2-3 times higher than Hong Kong due to the higher cost of living.
South Korea: $10,000 - $12,000 per month, also significantly higher.
Taiwan: $5,000 - $6,000 per month, slightly higher than Hong Kong.
Singapore: $3,500 - $4,500 per month, lower than Hong Kong, but with a lower cost of living.
In conclusion, although Hong Kong’s wages for foreign domestic helpers are not the highest in Asia, employers must consider additional costs like meals, insurance, and accommodation. To retain good helpers, employers may need to offer more competitive benefits. The government also needs to ensure that employers are supported while preventing foreign domestic helpers from frequently changing jobs.
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The information provided in this article is for general reference only and should not be considered as any form of advice. Our company assumes no responsibility for its use
