The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has welcomed the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) government’s decision to raise the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for foreign domestic workers, including over 190,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) currently employed in the territory.

Effective for contracts signed on or after September 30, 2025, the monthly wage will increase by 2.2 percent—from HK$4,990 (US$641) to HK$5,100 (US$655). The food allowance for workers not provided meals by their employers remains unchanged at HK$1,236.

Migrant Workers Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac described the wage adjustment as “a positive step that affirms the dignity and rights of domestic workers,” emphasizing its alignment with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to uphold the welfare of OFWs globally. The new wage level also exceeds the Philippines’ domestic worker minimum wage benchmark of US$500, as outlined in DMW Advisory No. 25, Series of 2025.

While contracts under the previous wage rate will still be accepted by the Hong Kong Immigration Department until October 27, 2025, the DMW is urging all stakeholders—including Philippine recruitment agencies, employers, and Filipino domestic workers—to ensure that new contracts reflect the updated wage provisions.

The Department also highlighted the need for continued dialogue on other pressing concerns, such as the stagnant food allowance amid rising living costs. It assured that the Migrant Workers Office (MWO) in Hong Kong is fully equipped to assist OFWs in contract enforcement and in reporting any cases of non-compliance.

This development marks a significant win for Filipino domestic workers in Hong Kong, reinforcing the government’s commitment to safeguarding their rights and improving their working conditions abroad.