What Changed
- Released updated statistics on FDH numbers and household distribution through mid-2026.
- Reaffirmed existing dual regulatory framework under Cap. 115 and Cap. 57 without creating a new central authority.
- Outlined entry, training, wage, and assessment criteria for the upcoming Pilot Scheme for Foreign Domestic Carers.
On October 21, 2026, the Secretary for Labour and Welfare of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), Mr Chris Sun, provided a written reply to a parliamentary question from Legislative Council Member Hon Elizabeth Quat regarding the management, wage structure, regulation, and future policies for foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and foreign domestic carers (FDCs) in Hong Kong SAR.
Demographic Data and Household Distribution
According to official figures provided by the Labour and Welfare Bureau following consultation with the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) and the Immigration Department (ImmD), the total population of active FDHs in Hong Kong SAR stood at approximately 368,000 in December 2024, rising to 379,000 in December 2025, and reaching 382,000 by June 2026.
Corresponding quarterly figures show that in the second quarter of 2026, there were 325,400 domestic households employing FDHs. Among these households, 163,100 included minors under the age of 18, while 139,200 included elderly individuals aged 65 or above. The C&SD noted that it does not maintain specific statistical breakdowns for FDH-employing households containing persons with physical disabilities or chronic illnesses.
Wage Adjustments, Financial Assistance, and Tax Deduction Proposals
Addressing concerns regarding household financial pressure following a recent 2.35 per cent increase in the Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) for FDHs (while the food allowance remained unchanged), the Secretary outlined the government's annual review framework. The review process balances economic indicators, labour market trends, price levels, employer household incomes, elementary worker earnings, and stakeholder feedback to maintain affordability while preserving Hong Kong SAR's competitiveness for foreign domestic workers.
To assist low-income or vulnerable households, specific financial welfare channels are available under established schemes:
- Disabled recipients under the Comprehensive Social Security Assistance (CSSA) Scheme can apply for a care and attention allowance to employ an FDH, subject to certification by a medical officer of the Hospital Authority or Department of Health and SWD social worker assessment. This subsidy is generally capped at the standard MAW and food allowance set by the Labour Department (LD).
- Recipients of the Higher Disability Allowance who are in paid employment can apply for a monthly $5,000 subsidy under a Social Welfare Department (SWD) scheme to hire carers for work-related commuting or workplace daily care support.
Regarding legislative proposals for a specific "tax deduction for expenses incurred in employing FDHs" under salaries tax, the Secretary stated that the government must carefully evaluate public finance implications alongside broader social and economic policy considerations, maintaining an ongoing review without announcing immediate tax changes.
Existing Regulatory Governance and Agency Oversight
Responding to proposals to create a single dedicated "Foreign Domestic Helper Affairs Authority," the government clarified that existing administrative duties remain divided under statutory frameworks:
- Visa applications and entry management are governed by the Immigration Department pursuant to the Immigration Ordinance (Cap. 115).
- Labour rights, employment conditions, and agency licensing are administered by the Labour Department under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57).
- Dedicated coordination is handled by the Labour Department's dedicated Foreign Domestic Helpers Division, established in September 2020.
Consequently, the government confirmed that it has no current plans to form a separate regulatory authority.
Pilot Scheme for Foreign Domestic Carers (FDCs)
To address rapid demographic aging—with Hong Kong SAR's elderly population (aged 65 and above) projected to grow from 1.8 million in 2025 to 2.74 million in 2046—the Chief Executive’s 2026 Policy Address proposed a pilot scheme to admit qualified foreign domestic carers (FDCs).
Under preliminary guidelines outlined by the Secretary:
- Eligibility Requirements: FDCs must possess at least three years of elderly care experience and complete an HKSAR-designed specialized training course in their place of origin.
- Assessment Framework: Candidates must pass an evaluation conducted in their home region by an institution commissioned by the HKSAR government before entering Hong Kong SAR.
- Scale and Wages: To avoid market disruption, initial admissions will be capped at a few hundred FDCs annually, with a minimum wage set slightly higher than the standard FDH MAW to reflect advanced skill standards.
- Transition Rules: Existing FDHs seeking to transition into FDCs must return to their place of origin to undergo accredited training and formal assessment prior to re-entering under an FDC employment contract.
Detailed operational framework rules for the FDC Pilot Scheme are scheduled to be announced in the middle of 2027.
Who May Be Affected
Foreign domestic helpers, foreign domestic carers, employment agencies, and households employing domestic helpers or carers in Hong Kong SAR.
Cross-Border Context
Affects international labour migration flows, placement agencies, and foreign carer training frameworks established in helpers' places of origin.
What to check next
- Monitor the announcement of detailed operational guidelines for the Foreign Domestic Carers Pilot Scheme expected in mid-2027.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Consult the official text and obtain advice appropriate to your circumstances where needed.