The Impact of Hong Kong’s Minimum Wage Increase on Migrant Workers​

According to a government spokesperson, “We have carefully considered Hong Kong’s general economic and labor market conditions over the past year, as well as Hong Kong’s near-term economic outlook. Taking into account the aforementioned factors, the affordability of employers, and the livelihood of FDHs, the government has decided to adjust MAW.” 

However, critics suggest that this new implementation falls short of what is required to adequately support the basic humanitarian needs of these workers – especially considering the majority of them are primary income providers for their families back home. Because of this, most migrant domestic workers are left with no choice but to seek more profitable employment and, consequently, further education.

Migrant domestic workers play a pivotal role in the success of Hong Kong’s social and economic sectors. In 2018, a study estimated that 3.6% of the economy’s GDP is owed to migrant domestic workers – a significant portion considering their current wages. They support working families and enable many of them to maintain their dual incomes despite household responsibilities. Furthermore, migrant domestic workers aid the growing number of elderly residents residing in the country. They provide affordable alternatives to childcare and nurseries.

On another note, despite free public tuition in the Philippines, the Philippine government falls short of monetarily aiding Filipino citizens looking to obtain university degrees. Given the current income of many Filipino families, obtaining an education has proven to be difficult in the Philippines.

As a result, Filipinos explore job opportunities abroad since higher education does not also guarantee a fruitful employment in their home countries. An analysis of Filipino domestic workers provided by The International Labour Organization states that only 7.4% of domestic workers complete some years of college education. Oftentimes, Filipinos have no other choice but to leave the country to work as domestic workers in Hong Kong.

While domestic worker wages in Hong Kong represent a substantial increase to their earnings in the Philippines, domestic workers often find themselves struggling to provide for their family’s needs back home. As a result, Full Phils has been leveraging education to give Filipino domestic helpers the opportunity to become something more. For many OFWs, education is their bridge to a brighter future.