05/07/2026
FADWU Calls for Wage Increase, Food Allowance, Labour Rights Seminars at Airport, and Revision of Standard Contracts to Ensure Food Quality and Adequate Ventilation
The Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions (FADWU) attended the Labour Department’s consultation meeting today (July 5, 2026) to discuss the minimum allowable wage and food allowance level for migrant domestic workers, as well as other issues affecting their working conditions.
Wage Increase to $6,670. Recover past wage cuts and catch up with inflation
On wages, FADWU, after calculating Hong Kong’s inflation rate and reviewing the past thirty years during which migrant domestic workers’ wages were frozen for ten years and cut by two times $190 and $400 in 1999 and 2003 respectively, concluded that these real wage reductions were substantial. We demand that migrant domestic workers’ wages should be increased to HK$6,670, and the food allowance should be raised to HK$2,770.
Meals must be humane: Three proper meals a day. Food allowance at least $2,770
We thank the Labour Department. Last year, our union raised concerns after a Labour Tribunal presiding officer remarked during migrant domestic worker cases that “one meal a day also counts as food.” This showed that meals are not clearly defined, leaving workers’ access to adequate food up to chance. We appreciate the Labour Department’s active response to our concerns. After verifying with the Tribunal, the Labour Department revised the guidance handbook for migrant domestic workers and employers, clarifying that employers must provide three suitable meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner). However, while the handbook reflects government policy direction, it is not legally binding. We believe the government should urgently amend the standard contract for migrant domestic workers to clearly define meals, giving legal effect to its policy direction.
At today’s meeting, we also present sample meal boxes to reflect the current food situation of some workers. At present, if employers do not provide free meals, they must pay a monthly food allowance of HK$1,236 — equivalent to only HK$40.6 per day. This amount barely covers one instant noodle with a few stalks of choy sum, or two slices of bread with an egg and instant coffee. Many workers must pay out of pocket to buy food. Some, who must provide 24 hour care for elderly persons, cannot go out to purchase food, and a worker ends up with only six spoonfuls of plain rice a day.
We demand that government policy and regulations be aligned. In line with your department’s policy direction of “three suitable meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner),” the food allowance must be increased. This has been a consistent demand of unions and labour groups every year. Unfortunately, not only has the government failed to respond, but last year it even froze the food allowance level.
We urge the Labour Department to reference the Hong Kong Department of Health’s standards for adults’ basic nutritional needs and food consumption levels, and to provide the public with a transparent calculation method to define a humane level of meals and allowance. Our union calls on the government to raise the food allowance to at least HK$2,770.
Strengthen Regulation of Labour Laws; Government to Provide Labour Rights Seminars for Migrant Domestic Workers Upon Arrival at the Airport
Our union and affiliates are overwhelmed by the number of cases and consultations from migrant domestic workers — the situation of employers illegally exploiting workers is truly widespread! What is even more infuriating is that many employers repeatedly break the law, blatantly ignoring regulations. One worker leaves, ten more arrive, and all ten are exploited, yet the employer can continue hiring without consequence.
A survey conducted by our affiliate, the Union of Nepalese Domestic Workers in Hong Kong, at the end of last year found that 80% of South Asian migrant domestic workers had at least one labour right violated.
We welcome and are pleased that the government responded immediately to the concerns we raised at our February press conference by providing some seminars for South Asian workers. However, workers without days off simply cannot attend these seminars or access the information.
We therefore demand that the government provide labour law seminars to migrant domestic workers immediately upon arrival at the airport, ensuring that all workers coming to Hong Kong clearly understand their legal rights. At present, under the “Supplementary Labour Scheme,” such mandatory arrival seminars are already arranged.
In addition, the government should follow practices adopted in other countries by appointing labour inspectors to conduct home visits and inspections.
Climate change — the Hong Kong government should require employers to provide fans and other air-conditioning facilities
The government’s current standard contract is outdated and does not specify the accommodation conditions that employers must provide for migrant domestic workers. There should be humane requirements for ventilation and air-conditioning facilities.
Domestic work, especially household cleaning and cooking, is highly intensive labour. The government should revise the standard contract to state clearly that, in addition to adequate lighting, workers’ accommodation must also include proper ventilation and the provision of fans or air-conditioning facilities, and guidelines should be established for working in high temperatures.
Hong Kong Federation of Asian Domestic Workers Unions (FADWU)
