The Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions is also seeking higher food allowances and stronger heat protection in helper contracts.
Hong Kong’s domestic helpers demand higher wages
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The local government has been urged to boost the wages of Hong Kong’s domestic helpers and more than double their monthly food allowances, as helpers argue the current rates no longer cover living costs.
The Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions (FADWU) rallied in the city on Sunday before meeting with Labour Department officials. The group wants the minimum wage lifted from HK$5,100 to HK$6,670 and food allowance raised from HK$1,236 to HK$2,770 a month. They also asked for contract changes to protect helpers during periods of extreme heat.
At the rally, members set out sample meal boxes to show what the current daily food budget of HK$40.60 actually buys, such as instant noodles with an egg, or biscuits with egg and coffee.
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FADWU chair Phobsuk Gasing said helpers are going hungry despite long hours of work. “We work from morning to night, but still do not have enough to eat, which makes us get sick easily” she said. “We need a better quality of life and to have energy to work.”
Hong Kong’s domestic helpers going hungry
Gasing pointed to the rising cost of a casual meal, now at least HK$40, to argue the food allowance has fallen behind actual prices in the city.
The FADWU, which represents more than 1,000 domestic helpers in Hong Kong, has raised similar demands in previous years. The government last adjusted the minimum wage in September 2025, lifting it 2.2 percent to the current HK$5,100 while leaving the food allowance unchanged.
