Oxfam Hong Kong will raise the city’s living wage to HK$64 an hour from 1 October.
Originating in the United Kingdom as a global movement in 2011, the living wage refers to a wage that allows workers and their families to meet basic needs and enables them to live a decent life. This includes the ability to afford a balanced diet, a reasonable living space, a social life, education, health care and saving for emergencies.
The increase from the current HK$62.8 an hour was based on analysis of Hong Kong wage levels and the latest Composite Consumer Price Index, the anti-poverty NGO said in a message to signatories on Monday.
Oxfam Hong Kong said it “adopted this wage level to advocate for the government and corporate sector to pay a living wage. We also call on the government to introduce its own living wage standard and encourage listed companies to disclose, through ESG reporting, whether they pay a living wage to their employees.”
Min. wage set to rise by HK$1
Census and Statistics Department Annual Earnings and Hours Survey 2025 Report shows that over 19 percent of the workforce – some 707,300 employees – earn less than HK$62.8 an hour. Most work in entry-level positions, as well as in the service, sales, manufacturing, retail, food and beverage sectors.
Hong Kong’s minimum hourly wage – set by the authorities – is will increase by HK$1 next month to HK$43.10. Migrant domestic workers are exempt, with their wages set at a legal minimum of HK$5,100 per month.
Oxfam recognizes employers who pay a Living Wage, awarding them the Living Wage Employer Logo to recognize their commitment. HKFP is among the signatories of the scheme.
