MANILA (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 2, 2012) – The Philippines welcomed news of hike in salaries of foreign household service workers in Hong Kong where many Filipinos are working as domestic helpers in the former British colony.
“This is a welcome development for our HSWs because the Hong Kong government has always been protective and considerate in looking after the welfare of expatriate workers,” Philippine Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is increasing the monthly minimum allowable wage of foreign household service workers by HK$180, or 4.8% from HK$3,740 to HK$3,920, and the monthly food allowance by HK$100, or 12.9% from HK$775 to HK$875.
The report said the new minimum wage and allowance will apply to employment contracts signed by parties starting September 20 this year and does not apply or affect prevailing contracts or contracts signed until September 19 which will bear the previous rates.
Hong Kong’s standard employment contract for hiring foreign HSWs requires employers to provide foreign workers with free food. Employers may also opt to pay their workers food allowance in lieu of free food. However, most employers in Hong Kong pay the food allowance in cash.
Baldoz has ordered the Philippine Overseas Labor Office in Hong Kong to closely coordinate with the Hong Kong Immigration to implement this new wage policy in accordance to the timeline set. (Susan de Leon)
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