Hong Kong to Launch Pilot Scheme for Foreign Elderly Carers Next Year
SCMP · 1 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong will introduce a pilot scheme next year to bring in foreign domestic carers to look after older residents as part of a broader package of measures announced in the policy address to deal with an ageing population. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu said the government would admit carers under a scheme modelled on the city's existing foreign domestic helper regime.
Key Points
- The pilot scheme was announced by Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu in his policy address on Wednesday (September 16, 2026), aimed at meeting care needs of elderly persons living at home
- Carers must have experience in caring for the elderly and undergo relevant training in their home countries before being admitted under the scheme
- The current minimum allowable wage for foreign domestic helpers is HK$5,100 (US$654) per month, with authorities not ruling out setting a higher minimum for the new scheme
- Basic requirements for the existing foreign domestic helper regime, including the live-in rule, would apply to the new scheme
- Hong Kong had more than 378,000 foreign domestic helpers last year, mostly from the Philippines
Why It Matters
The ageing population in Hong Kong has created significant pressure on elderly care services, with many families struggling to find suitable in-home support. By expanding the pool of trained carers through international recruitment, the scheme could help seniors age in place rather than being forced into institutional care. This policy also reflects Hong Kong's broader efforts to address labour shortages in the care sector while maintaining standards comparable to the existing helper programme.
The ageing population in Hong Kong has created significant pressure on elderly care services, with many families struggling to find suitable in-home support. By expanding the pool of trained carers through international recruitment, the scheme could help seniors age in place rather than being forced into institutional care. This policy also reflects Hong Kong's broader efforts to address labour shortages in the care sector while maintaining standards comparable to the existing helper programme.