On 18 February 2025, the Hong Kong government announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the recommendation of the Minimum Wage Commission to raise the statutory minimum wage (“SMW”) from HK$40 per hour to HK$42.1 per hour. This represents an increase of HK$2.1 per hour or 5.25%.
Along with the adjustment to the SMW rate, the monthly threshold amount for keeping records of hours worked by employees will also increase to HK$17,200 (currently at HK$16,300) per month.
The proposed amendments are scheduled to be tabled in the Legislative Council on 26 February 2025. Once approved, the amendments will come into effect on 1 May 2025.
Employers and HR practitioners should review their employment arrangements to ensure compliance with the new SMW rate.
Please refer to the press release issued by the Hong Kong government here and our earlier legal update for more information on the enhancement of the SMW review mechanism.
