Overseas Filipino Workers in Taiwan and Hong Kong to Enjoy Wage Increase from January 2024
Commencing January 1, 2024, a significant wage increase is set to benefit thousands of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Taiwan and Hong Kong. This welcome development is the result of new wage legislation brought into action by Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Labor Department. The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) in the Philippines has warmly received this step, acknowledging the substantial contributions OFWs make to their host countries’ economies.
Wage Increase in Taiwan
In Taiwan, a 4.05 percent raise has been mandated for the monthly minimum salary of factory workers, with a boost from NT$26,400 to NT$27,470. The hourly minimum wage is also set to rise by NT$7, moving from NT$176 to NT$183. These changes are expected to affect approximately 151,562 Filipinos currently employed in Taiwan, with a majority of them working in the manufacturing sector. An additional 17,721 Filipino workers are projected to be hired before the year concludes.
Pay Raise in Hong Kong
In Hong Kong, the wage legislation is more favorable for OFWs working as foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) or household service workers (HSWs). The minimum allowable wage is set to increase from HK$4,730 to HK$4,870, and the food allowance will be elevated from HK$1,196 to HK$1,236. It is important to note that this wage hike is applicable to FDH contracts signed on or after September 30, 2023. As of August 2023, the number of OFWs in Hong Kong stands at 196,364, and by January 2024, this figure is estimated to reach approximately 205,000.
Implications of the Wage Legislation
The wage increase legislation enacted by Taiwan and Hong Kong is a testament to the recognition and appreciation for the role OFWs play in these economies. This development not only improves the financial status of these workers but also underscores the value of their hard work and dedication. The impact of this legislation is far-reaching, affecting hundreds of thousands of OFWs and their families back in the Philippines.
