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Food, meals, and minimum wage

How families must feed a helper, or pay a food allowance, plus the legal minimum wage.

The standard contract says the family must either provide free meals or pay a monthly food allowance. Helpers should receive enough food, or enough money for food. This is in addition to salary.

Food allowance guidelines

1. Free meals or a food allowance

There are two legal choices:

  • Option A β€” free meals: The family provides healthy, suitable food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Nothing is taken from the helper’s wages for this.
  • Option B β€” monthly food allowance: If meals are not provided (for example because of diet or religion), the family must pay the legal food allowance on top of salary.

2. Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW)

The Hong Kong Government sets a minimum wage for foreign domestic helpers and reviews it from time to time. Families must pay at least this amount. Helpers should keep a record of every payment.

Category Statutory Rule
Minimum Allowable Wage (MAW) Must be at or above the government rate. Pay by cheque, bank transfer, or signed cash receipt.
Food Allowance (if no free food) Paid each month with salary, as written in the contract.
Salary Payment Deadline On the due date, and never later than 7 days after the wage period ends.

Need help with salary or food allowance?

We can explain payslips and bank payments for families, and check that helpers receive the correct amount.

Talk to us

Visit our office or send a message

We are in Sheung Wan, about two minutes from the MTR. Families and helpers are both welcome β€” walk in, WhatsApp, or book a time.

Our Location

Wayson Commercial Building
28 Connaught Road West, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong SAR

WhatsApp & Mobile Support

+852 5379 9191

Office Hours

Mon - Sat: 9:30 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday & Statutory Holidays: By Appointment

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Tell us if you are a family or a helper. A consultant will reply within 24 hours.

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