Hong Kong’s minimum wage is set to rise by HK$1, from HK$42.10 to HK$43.10 per hour. The government’s Executive Council approved this 2.38 percent increase, following the Minimum Wage Commission’s recommendation. The increase will take effect on May 1, pending approval by the Legislative Council, which will consider the proposal on February 25. This is the second rise since a new formula to calculate the wage was introduced in 2024. The first raise last year was HK$2.10, boosting the wage from HK$40 to HK$42.10. Commission chairwoman Priscilla Wong Pui-sze said, "The MWC believes that the new SMW rate can maintain an appropriate balance between forestalling excessively low wages and minimising the loss of low-paid jobs, while giving due regard to sustaining Hong Kong’s economic growth and competitiveness." She added the commission carefully reviewed data and considered the formula’s implementation effects. The government plans to table the amendment bill soon. If approved, the new wage law will support millions of low-paid workers in the city.