It’s official. Foreign domestic helps (FDH) in Hong Kong, which include over 130,000 Filipinos, will receive starting October 1 a HK$100 (P575.25) increase in their minimum wages and an additional HK$ 44 (P253.11) in food allowance.
Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz announced this on Monday, after she received a report on the increase from Hong Kong-based Labor Attaché Officer in Charge Ma. Nene G. German.
“The report says that the increase in minimum wage and food allowance will apply to all contracts signed on or after October 1, 2014,” Baldoz said.
In her report, German said the Hong Kong Labor Department announced the increase during a meeting it held with the consulate generals of India, Indonesia, Nepal, the Philippines, Sri Lanka and Thailand.
The increase brings the minimum-allowance wage of FDH in Hong Kong to HK$4,110 (P23,642.77) and the food allowance to HK$ 964 (P5,545.41).
At present, the majority of Hong Kong employers provide free food to FDH. Employers may, however, choose to pay a food allowance in lieu thereof. Under the Standard Employment Contract for hiring FDH, employers
are required to provide FDH with food free of charge.
PNA