Hong Kong is set to raise the minimum pay for foreign domestic helpers by 2.5 percent to HK$4,990 a month. But their food allowance will remain unchanged. The government on Friday announced that the minimum wage for these migrant workers would increase by HK$120 from the current HK$4,870 per month. The monthly food allowance would remain at not less than HK$1,236, if the employers opted not to provide food for the helpers. "In accordance with the established mechanism, in this year's review, we have carefully considered Hong Kong's general economic and labour market conditions over the past year, as well as Hong Kong's near-term economic outlook," a government spokesperson said. The new rates will apply to all contracts signed from Saturday, and those signed on or before Friday at the existing rates will still be processed provided that the applications reach the Immigration Department by October 25.
