Do I have to pay my domestic helper a food or meal allowance in Hong Kong?

Overview

Food is not optional. The Standard Employment Contract (ID407) makes clear that employers must either feed their helper or pay her to feed herself. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood obligations — some employers assume food is included in the wage, but it is a separate requirement entirely.

The Two Options

Under the Standard Employment Contract, you must choose one of the following:

Option A — Provide food in kind (free of charge) You supply three meals a day, every day, throughout the employment. The food must be provided at no cost to the helper — you cannot charge her for meals, ask her to cook her own food without ingredients, or provide food on working days only.

Option B — Pay the food allowance of HK$1,236/month If you prefer not to manage daily meals, you pay a fixed monthly food allowance of HK$1,236 on top of wages. This rate is set by the Labour Department and reviewed whenever the MAW is reviewed.

You must declare your chosen option on the ID407 contract. Switching options mid-contract requires a formal contract variation.

The Food Allowance Is on Top of Wages

This is critical: the food allowance does not count toward the Minimum Allowable Wage of HK$5,100/month. It is a separate legal obligation.

If you pay the food allowance in cash:

• Monthly wage (minimum): HK$5,100
• Food allowance: HK$1,236
• Total minimum cash outgoing: HK$6,336/month

Employers who pay wages and try to claim the food allowance is "included" are in breach of the contract and the Employment Ordinance.

Common Misconceptions

"I provide food on working days — that's enough." No. The obligation is seven days a week for the full duration of employment, including rest days and public holidays when your helper is at home.

"She cooks for the family so food is covered." Providing ingredients for family meals does not automatically satisfy the obligation unless you are also ensuring your helper has adequate food for herself — at no cost to her.

"The food allowance rate changes when I renew." It may. The rate is reviewed annually alongside the MAW. Always check the current rate before signing a new or renewed contract.

What This Means for You

• Choose Option A (food in kind) or Option B (HK$1,236/month allowance) — state it clearly in the ID407
• If paying the allowance, budget HK$6,336/month minimum in total cash outgoings
• Food provision (Option A) must cover seven days a week at no cost to your helper
• The food allowance cannot be absorbed into the wage — it is a separate line item
• Budget separately for insurance premiums — these are another mandatory employer cost on top of wages and food
• See minimum allowable wage for the current MAW and total costs of hiring an FDH for full cost context

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