Hong Kong has raised the minimum wage for the city’s more than 380,000 foreign domestic workers by 2.35 per cent, from HK$5,100 to HK$5,220 per month, the government has announced.

Domestic workers in Central. File photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP.

The government also said on Friday that the food allowance for domestic workers – which employers must pay if they do not already provide free meals – will remain unchanged at no less than HK$1,236 per month.

The new minimum wage will apply to all contracts signed on or after Saturday, October 3.

The government said it had carefully assessed the views of employers and domestic workers before coming to the decision of the 2.35 per cent increase. Last year, the minimum wage was upped by 2.2 per cent.

“This year’s socio-economic factors are more favourable than those at the time of last year’s review,” a government spokesperson added.

‘Far from’ living wage

But the rise fell short of demands by groups representing domestic workers, who have called for an increase in the minimum wage to HK$6,172 – a 21 per cent hike.

The Asian Migrants Coordinating Body (AMCB) has also demanded that the monthly food allowance be more than doubled to HK$3,123 – equivalent to roughly HK$100 per day.

AMCB spokesperson Sringatin said on Friday that the HK$120 increase was a result of the collective struggle of migrant workers’ movement in the city. However, “the HK$5,220 is far from the HK$6,172 living wage in Hong Kong,” she told HKFP.

“The piecemeal increase will give a very little relief with our long-standing sufferings and burden because of the rapid increase of inflation and standard living [in Hong Kong],” she said.

“While no increase in food allowance will mean more expenses and loss in the wage of [domestic workers] who have no food at employer’s house,” she added.

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The government typically announces the adjustments to domestic workers’ minimum wage in September following an annual review, but this year’s announcement was delayed.

The government says it takes into account an array of factors, such as Hong Kong’s economy, labour market conditions, affordability for employers and basic living needs of domestic workers, when reviewing the minimum wage.