The large number of foreign domestic helpers gathering in public places during holidays has long been a notable phenomenon in Hong Kong. This chart illustrates the number of foreign domestic helpers (FDH) in Hong Kong from 2016 to 2023, including total and subgroup numerical changes.

Between 2016 and 2023, the number of FDHs in Hong Kong fluctuated between 330,000 and 400,000, with Filipino and Indonesian workers dominating recruitment. After reaching its peak of 399,320 in 2019, numbers declined continuously until 2022, reaching a low of 338,189. This decline possibly resulted from Hong Kong’s anti-extradition law protests and COVID-19 restrictions.

However, recovery happened in 2023 as pent-up demand surged when families returned to normalcy post-pandemic. Enhanced bilateral agreements with source countries streamlined hiring processes, which also prompted more households to hire FDH.