What is the minimum wage and basic entitlements for migrant domestic workers?

According to the Hong Kong Labour Department, the minimum wage for migrant domestic workers is $4,630 HKD for contracts signed on or after 28 September 2019. It is illegal for an employer to pay a wage below this minimum amount. It is also illegal for you and your employee to agree on a wage that is less than the minimum wage.

Your employee is entitled to a food allowance of HK$1,121 per month if you do not provide free food. This is in compliance with section 5(b) of the Standard Employment Contract.

By law, migrant domestic workers must work and live at the employer’s residence only and must receive one rest day off per week, paid holidays of seven days per year of service and statutory holidays. They are protected by the same benefits and protection under the Labour Ordinance like any other local workers in Hong Kong.

For information, consult the Labour Department’s helpful Foreign Domestic Helpers website.