Foreign Domestic Helper Minimum Wage 2025 and the Hidden Costs Employers Should Know
Many Hong Kong employers were surprised by the 2025 minimum wage increase for foreign domestic helpers. With the economy still weak and living costs rising, families had hoped wages would stay unchanged. Some employers also believe the government should focus on deeper issues like helper debt and job-hopping, as a simple pay rise may not improve the overall situation.
New Minimum Wage Adjustment in 2025
According to the government’s announcement on 29 September 2025, the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers will increase from HK$4,990 to HK$5,100 per month, a rise of about 2.2%.
This new rate applies to all contracts signed on or after 30 September 2025. The food allowance will remain unchanged at not less than HK$1,236 per month.
The government explained that the adjustment considers Hong Kong’s economic performance, inflation, the living costs of helpers, and employers’ ability to pay.
However, for some dual-income families, even a small increase of just over HK$100 can add up. When combined with other expenses such as insurance, food, and transportation, the total monthly cost of employing a helper can rise significantly.
Employers’ Concern: Higher Wages, But Not Always Better Quality
While a pay rise should be a good thing, many employers say they have not seen an improvement in helpers’ performance, attitude, or stability. In fact, issues such as frequent job changes, high debt stress, and sudden early return home have become more common.
Some helpers are even forced to quit early due to heavy debt or pressure from finance companies.
For employers, this often means:
Time and money lost in recruiting and training a new helper
Disruption to daily household routines
Difficulty finding a replacement quickly, affecting childcare or elderly care arrangements
That’s why many employers hope the government will not only review wages but also take stronger action on helper debt, contract misuse, and agency ethics. True improvement requires fixing the system, not just increasing pay.
Hidden Costs: Why Employers Should Plan for Complete Protection
As wages gradually rise, employers should also remember the other hidden costs of hiring a foreign domestic helper, such as:
Medical expenses: Employers must cover medical fees if the helper gets sick or injured in Hong Kong, including doctor visits, hospital stays, or surgery.
Third-party liability: If a helper accidentally injures someone or damages property during work, the employer may be legally responsible.
Repatriation and compensation: If the helper’s contract ends early due to illness, accident, or other reasons, the employer must pay for the return expenses.
These costs may not appear every month, but when accidents happen, they can easily reach thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars.
To avoid unexpected financial stress, employers are encouraged to buy a comprehensive domestic helper insurance plan. This type of insurance helps cover medical bills, third-party liabilities, and repatriation costs — protecting both employers and helpers.
Summary: Salary Increases Should Come with Better Protection
The yearly adjustment of the foreign domestic helper minimum wage shows that protection for helpers is gradually improving. But apart from paying the correct salary on time, employers should also plan ahead and ensure proper insurance coverage is in place.
While the wage increase itself is small, one medical accident or liability claim could cost far more than several months of salary. By preparing early and choosing the right insurance, employers can protect themselves and their helpers — creating a safe, stable, and long-term working relationship.
Source: Increase in Minimum Allowable Wage and no change in food allowance for foreign domestic helpers
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