Hong Kong raises minimum wage to HK$42.10

Hong Kong’s hourly statutory minimum wage (SMW) will rise to HK$42.10 (US$5.41) on 1 May 2025, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government announced this week. This represents a HK$2.10 (5.25%) increase from the current HK$40 (US$5.14) rate.

The decision follows a recommendation from the Minimum Wage Commission (MWC), which was subsequently adopted by the Chief Executive in Council. The government will publish the formal notice of the amendment this Friday and table it in the Legislative Council (LegCo) on February 26. Pending LegCo approval, the new rate will take effect on Labour Day.

“After careful consideration, the government is of the view that the MWC has ably discharged its statutory function of reviewing the SMW rate,” said Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun. He emphasised that the increase balances the need to prevent excessively low wages while minimising potential job losses and maintaining Hong Kong’s economic competitiveness.

MWC Chairperson Priscilla Wong expressed satisfaction that the Chief Executive in Council accepted the commission’s recommendation.

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In addition to the minimum wage increase, the government also adjusted the monthly monetary cap for recording employee work hours. Employers will be exempt from this requirement if an employee’s monthly wages are HK$17,200 (US$2,211) or more (up from the current HK$16,300 [US$2,095]). This change will also take effect on 1 May 2025.

Looking ahead, the government confirmed its plan to implement a new annual review mechanism for the SMW, as announced in the Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address. The first SMW rate derived under this new mechanism is expected to be implemented on 1 May 2026.