The Hong Kong Government announced on October 2, 2026 that the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) will be raised to HK$5,220 per month, up 2.35% from the current HK$5,100. The food allowance in lieu of free food will remain unchanged at no less than HK$1,236 per month. The new standards apply to all FDH contracts signed on or after October 3, with a transitional arrangement for already-signed contracts.
Before & After Comparison
| Item | Before | After | Increase | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum Allowable Wage | HK$5,100 / month | HK$5,220 / month | +2.35% | Contracts signed on or after Oct 3, 2026 |
| Food Allowance (in lieu of food) | HK$1,236 / month (min) | HK$1,236 / month (min) | 0% | Unchanged |
Key Points
Transitional Arrangement
FDH contracts signed at the old wage on or before October 2, 2026 will still be processed by the Immigration Department at the old rate, provided the applications reach the Immigration Department on or before October 30 (Friday).
Scope of Application
The new wage level applies only to new contracts and renewal contracts signed on or after October 3. Ongoing contracts are not affected.
Food Allowance Explained
Under the Standard Employment Contract for hiring FDHs, employers are required to provide FDHs with food free of charge. The vast majority of employers provide free food, but they may choose to pay a food allowance in lieu, at no less than the prescribed minimum.
A Government spokesman said the Government regularly reviews the MAW for FDHs to ensure its level is commensurate with Hong Kong's economic and labour market conditions, taking into account the interests of both employers and FDHs. This year's review comprehensively considered a basket of socio-economic factors, including Hong Kong's general economic performance and labour market conditions over the past year, near-term economic outlook, affordability of FDH employers and basic living needs of FDHs.
Note to Employers: Contracts signed at the old wage (HK$5,100) on or before October 2 must reach the Immigration Department on or before October 30 — after that date, the new wage of HK$5,220 will apply. If you have not yet submitted your contracts, we recommend completing the application procedures as soon as possible.
TECHNIC Employment can assist with contract signing, document verification and Immigration Department submission, and provides free labour law consultation. Contact us for enquiries.
Official Government Press Release
Increase in Minimum Allowable Wage and no change in food allowance for foreign domestic helpers
The Government announced today (October 2) that the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) in Hong Kong will be increased by 2.35 per cent, from $5,100 to $5,220 per month.
In addition, under the Standard Employment Contract for hiring FDHs, employers are required to provide FDHs with food free of charge. At present, the vast majority of employers provide free food to FDHs, but they may choose to pay a food allowance in lieu. The food allowance will remain unchanged at no less than $1,236 per month.
The new MAW level will apply to all FDH contracts signed on or after tomorrow (October 3).
A Government spokesman said, "The Government regularly reviews the MAW for FDHs to ensure its level is commensurate with Hong Kong's economic and labour market conditions, taking into account the interests of both employers and FDHs. In this year's review, we comprehensively considered a basket of socio-economic factors in accordance with the established mechanism, including Hong Kong's general economic performance and labour market conditions over the past year, near-term economic outlook, affordability of FDH employers and basic living needs of FDHs. Throughout the review process, the Government also carefully listened to the views of employers and FDHs to gain a thorough understanding of their concerns and suggestions. Having carefully assessed and balanced the views of all parties, and comprehensively considered that this year's socio-economic factors are more favourable than those at the time of last year's review, the Government has decided to suitably increase the MAW to $5,220 per month. Furthermore, the Government has reviewed the food allowance in lieu of free food and, having taken into account the relevant consumer price index, decided that the level should remain unchanged."
FDH contracts signed today or before at the existing MAW of $5,100 per month will still be processed by the Immigration Department (ImmD), provided that the applications reach the ImmD on or before October 30 (Friday). This arrangement allows employers sufficient time to submit signed contracts to the ImmD for completion of relevant application procedures.
Ends
Friday, October 2, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:30
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need to raise the wage for an ongoing FDH contract?
No. The new wage applies only to new contracts and renewal contracts signed on or after October 3, 2026. Existing contracts continue at the originally agreed amount.
2. I signed a contract before Oct 2 but haven't submitted it to ImmD yet — which wage applies?
Contracts signed at the old wage on or before October 2 can still be processed at the old rate (HK$5,100) if they reach the Immigration Department on or before October 30. 【Submit afterwards the new wage of HK$5,220 will apply — please submit ASAP!】
3. How often is the FDH minimum wage reviewed?
The Government reviews the Minimum Allowable Wage for FDHs once a year in principle.
4. Is the food allowance adjusted together with the minimum wage?
Not necessarily. The two are reviewed independently. This time, the food allowance remains unchanged at HK$1,236.
Source: Information Services Department, HKSAR Government
Original Link: https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202610/02/P2026100200396.htm