On September 1, the Mission for Migrant Workers (MFMW) published its research on the situation of migrant domestic helpers in Hong Kong in support of the demand to raise the minimum wage of domestic helpers to HK$6,172 while condemning the capitalist group’s call for a wage freeze.

MFMW also calls for an increase in the food allowance of domestic helpers to HK$3,123 per month from the current HK$1,236.

According to MFMW data, 58% of migrant domestic helpers in Hong Kong receive less than the minimum wage of HK$4,990. Even worse, 14% of domestic helpers do not receive proper wages. For earning insufficiently, they are forced to borrow to cover the deficit in their needs. As a result, one in every four domestic helpers is deeply indebted. Meanwhile, newly arrived migrant domestic helpers also owe the agencies that sent them to Hong Kong.

Domestic helpers send 60% of their salaries to their families.

“While we call to improve the working conditions and legal protection of migrant domestic helpers, we must continue the call to raise their wages to reflect their essential role in Hong Kong society and to ensure their dignity and financial security,” MFMW said.