Hong Kong Raises Domestic Helper Minimum Wage to HK$5,220, Food Allowance Unchanged

HONG KONG – Hong Kong will raise foreign domestic helpers wage to HK$5,220, the Government announced on Friday (2 October). The new rate applies to all employment contracts signed from 3 October 2026.

The 2.35% rise to the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) is up from the previous HK$5,100. The food allowance stays at no less than HK$1,236 a month for employers who choose to pay cash instead of providing free meals.

Old contracts get a grace period

Under a transitional arrangement, contracts signed on or before 2 October at the old rate of HK$5,100 will still be processed, provided the visa application reaches the Immigration Department on or before 30 October 2026.

Contracts already in force are not affected. Helpers keep their agreed wage until their current contract ends, and the new minimum applies when contracts are renewed.

"Reasonable and moderate"

In announcing the change, the Government said it had looked at Hong Kong's overall economic performance and labour market conditions, the economic outlook, employers' ability to pay and helpers' living costs. It said this year's socio-economic conditions were more favourable than at the last review and described the increase as reasonable and moderate.

Hong Kong has more than 300,000 foreign domestic helpers, most of them from the Philippines and Indonesia. Under the Standard Employment Contract, employers must also provide free accommodation and food, or a food allowance instead of food.

Mixed reactions

Local media reported mixed reactions. Some in the industry worry that the higher wage will add to the burden on households already under pressure from living costs. Others note that because employers cover helpers' food and accommodation, helpers are less exposed to inflation than most workers, and the increase stays modest.

What it costs employers

	Before	From 3 Oct 2026
Minimum Allowable Wage	HK$5,100	HK$5,220
Food allowance (if no free meals)	HK$1,236	HK$1,236
Wage + food allowance	HK$6,336	HK$6,456

For a typical household, the change adds HK$1,440 a year, or HK$2,880 over a standard two-year contract.

SEEDU's take: what employers should do now

• Signed at HK$5,100 before 3 October? Make sure the visa application reaches the Immigration Department by 30 October.

• Hiring or renewing from now on? The contract must state at least HK$5,220.

• Keep an eye on agency fees. The wage is the same for every employer, but agency fees aren't. SEEDU has no physical shop, so our consultants meet you online or in person, and the rent we save goes into lower service fees.

FAQ

What is the new minimum wage for domestic helpers in Hong Kong?

HK$5,220 a month for contracts signed on or after 3 October 2026, up from HK$5,100.

Has the food allowance changed?

No. It stays at no less than HK$1,236 a month.

Do current helpers get the raise automatically?

No. Existing contracts keep the agreed wage. The new minimum applies to new contracts and renewals.

Can I still use a contract signed at HK$5,100?

Yes, if it was signed on or before 2 October 2026 and the visa application reaches the Immigration Department by 30 October 2026.