On 25 August 2010, Hong Kong government announced minimum wage rate and food allowance rate for foreign assistant housekeeper. This year, food allowance rate will be increased from not less than 740 HKD a month to not less than 750 HKD a month in case that the employer pays in cash in lieu of providing free foods for employees. This rate will be effective for the employment contract signed on 26 August onward. However, the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign housekeepers in Hong Kong would remain at 3,580 HKD per month after reviewing by taking account of Hong Kong’s general economic and employment situation.
In this regard, Hong Kong government by Labour Department promulgated minimum wage laws for foreign workers in a position of housekeeper in 1997 at a rate of 2,900 HKD a month. Consequently, minimum wage rate was hiked to be appropriate with economic situation. In the past 5 years, Hong Kong government has regularly announced to hike minimum wage rate. In 2006, it was increased from 3,320 HKD to be 3,400 HKD. In 2008, it was increased to be 3,580 HKD.
In relation to food allowance rate, the government additionally stipulated food allowance rate at 300 HKD a month in 1993 to protect assistant housekeepers in case that the employers do not provide free food and currently increased to be not less than 750 HKD a month.
