Hong Kong's Government announced on October 2, 2026, that the Minimum Allowable Wage for foreign domestic helpers would rise by 2.35 per cent, from $5,100 to $5,220 per month. The new level applies to all helper contracts signed on or after October 3. Under the Standard Employment Contract, employers must provide food free of charge, though most choose to pay an allowance in lieu; that allowance was to remain unchanged at no less than $1,236 per month.

A spokesman said the regular review weighed a basket of socio-economic factors, including general economic performance and labour market conditions over the past year, the near-term outlook, employers' affordability and helpers' basic living needs, along with views gathered from both sides. The Government judged this year's factors more favourable than at the previous review, and kept the food allowance unchanged after considering the relevant consumer price index.

Contracts signed on or before October 2 at the existing $5,100 rate were still to be processed provided applications reached the Immigration Department on or before October 30, giving employers time to submit signed contracts.