Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac has thanked the Hong Kong government for approving a 2.2 percent increase in the minimum allowable wage (MAW) for foreign domestic workers, including Filipinos.

In a Facebook post on Monday, Cacdac expressed gratitude to Labor and Welfare Chief Chris Y H Sun, JP, for the increase, which, he said, would mean a salary raise from 4,990 to 5,100 Hong Kong dollars per month for Filipino domestic workers.

“This provides more than the USD500 minimum wage for Filipino domestic workers as prescribed under Department Advisory No. 3, series of 2025, or the Enhanced Reforms for Domestic Workers, Cacdac said.

“We see Hong Kong as a promising opportunity where Filipino domestic workers can improve their skills and receive training. We have shown the world that our nation values human care,” he added.

Meanwhile, Sun said he also visited the OFW Global Center Hong Kong in Admiralty, established by the Philippine government, during his meeting with Cacdac on Sunday.

The OFW Global Center Hong Kong occupies about 20,000 square feet and offers a wide range of government services and assistance to Filipino overseas workers in the city.

Sun said that seeing the lively Filipino domestic workers gather during the visit gave him a deeper insight into their lives in Hong Kong.

“More than 200,000 Filipino domestic helpers are employed in Hong Kong, providing essential care for local families and helping ease their household burdens. During our meeting, both sides exchanged views on the protection and well-being of Filipino domestic helpers in Hong Kong, and we agreed to maintain close communication and cooperation to ensure the best possible support for them,” Sun said in a separate statement released on Monday.

He said that Filipino domestic workers compose 10 percent of Hong Kong’s total workforce.

The wage announcement also coincided with the Labor Migration Management Plan (LaMMP) Stakeholders’ Consultation Workshop, also on Sunday, which brought together Filipino community leaders, NGOs, and media representatives.

The DMW said the workshop focused on reintegration pathways, community support systems, and policies to improve the overseas employment experience.

Meanwhile, Cacdac also emphasized the importance of lifelong learning for OFWs, encouraging them to plan early for their return to the Philippines. (PNA)