Hong Kong Pilot for Foreign Carers Risks Raising Wages, Cutting Care Access for Low‑Income Elders

Chief Executive John Lee Ka‑chiu announced a pilot scheme to recruit foreign domestic carers for the elderly in a policy address on Wednesday. The programme aims to address Hong Kong’s ageing population but could upset the existing helper market. Employers and agencies warn that the new jobs may lure current helpers to demand higher pay or leave their posts for the foreign positions. As a result, wages for domestic helpers could rise, making private care unaffordable for low‑income older residents. The pilot’s rollout will test whether the market can absorb the shift without compromising care access for vulnerable seniors. The scheme’s impact on wages and affordability will be monitored closely by the government and social‑service bodies as the pilot begins.