Government Unveils Higher-Pay Scheme for Foreign Elderly Carers
SCMP · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Hong Kong is launching a pilot scheme to bring in foreign domestic carers for elderly residents, offering them 10 to 20 per cent higher wages than current foreign helpers to address severe manpower shortages in the care sector. Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun Yuk-han outlined the framework on Friday, revealing that applicants must possess at least three years of experience caring for older people and complete elderly care training recognized by Hong Kong authorities. The announcement coincided with the release of a government report on ageing society strategies containing 73 measures across 11 policy areas, as Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu's administration seeks to tackle one of the fastest-ageing populations in Asia.
Key Points
- Foreign domestic carers would earn 10 to 20 per cent above the current minimum helper wage of HK$5,100 (US$654) monthly under the new scheme
- Applicants must have at least three years of experience looking after elderly people and hold elderly care qualifications recognized by Hong Kong
- Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk Wing-hing said rapid ageing presents both challenges and opportunities requiring early strategic planning
- The working group on ageing society strategies, chaired by Cheuk, submitted its comprehensive report covering 73 measures across 11 areas
- Families retain the option to hire standard foreign helpers if they do not require specialized elderly care services
Why It Matters
The scheme provides families with a new pathway to secure qualified professional care for elderly relatives at a time when Hong Kong's shrinking working-age population is straining both the economy and social services. By attaching higher wages to proven competence in elderly care, the government creates both an incentive for qualified workers to enter the sector and a quality signal for families seeking reliable support.
The scheme provides families with a new pathway to secure qualified professional care for elderly relatives at a time when Hong Kong's shrinking working-age population is straining both the economy and social services. By attaching higher wages to proven competence in elderly care, the government creates both an incentive for qualified workers to enter the sector and a quality signal for families seeking reliable support.