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Wage review 2026: what helpers should know before the announcement

Every September the Government reviews the Minimum Allowable Wage and food allowance for foreign domestic helpers. Here is what the announcement will — and will not — change for you.

What is being reviewed

The current minimum is HK$5,100 a month, plus a food allowance of at least HK$1,236 if food is not provided, for contracts signed on or after 30 September 2025. The review sets the figures for contracts signed after the new date.

Your contract date decides your wage

A new minimum applies to contracts signed on or after its start date. If your contract was signed before, your wage stays at the rate for your contract until you sign a new one. That is why our calculator asks when your contract was signed, not when you started.

What to do on announcement day

  • check the new figure on our salary page — we update it the same day;
  • if you are about to renew, make sure the new contract uses the new minimum;
  • share the result with friends who are renewing too.

This explains the law in plain words. It is not legal advice — confirm with the Labour Department, 2717 1771.

Sources

Updated 18 September 2026

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