The Hong Kong government has announced that the families of ten foreign domestic helpers who died in the tragic Tai Po fire will each receive nearly HK$800,000 in total compensation, according to Labour and Welfare Secretary Chris Sun Yuk-han.
Sun reported that 235 foreign domestic workers were employed at Wang Fuk Court during the time of the incident. Of this number, 94 were Filipinos, while 141 were Indonesians. The latest official tally (2 December 2025) shows:
-
10 deceased
-
3 injured
-
30 missing
-
192 confirmed safe
Breakdown of Compensation
Sun explained that the families of each deceased worker will receive approximately HK$800,000, which includes:
-
HK$500,000 — statutory compensation
-
HK$200,000 — one-off token of solidarity
-
HK$50,000 — special subsidy
Injured helpers will receive a one-time condolence payment depending on their hospital stay:
-
HK$100,000 — for longer hospitalization
-
HK$50,000 — for shorter hospitalization
All survivors and those confirmed safe will also be given:
-
HK$20,000 each in support funds
-
HK$2,000 Octopus stored value for transport and daily needs
Philippines Vows Continued Support
Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Hans Leo J. Cacdac said the Philippine government is coordinating closely with Hong Kong authorities to ensure full assistance for Filipino workers and their families.
According to Cacdac:
-
The Philippine Consulate General has arranged temporary shelter and basic necessities for survivors.
-
Consular staff are assisting with replacement of passports, Hong Kong IDs, and immigration documents lost in the fire.
-
A Filipino worker previously in critical condition has now stabilized and will soon be repatriated to reunite with her family.
-
Financial assistance has already been distributed to the families of the deceased.
Streamlined Assistance for Affected Households
Sun acknowledged that many residents affected by the fire had difficulty seeking help due to the need to visit multiple charitable organisations and repeatedly fill out forms.
To address this, the government has coordinated with ten major charities, introducing a “one social worker per household” model. This system reduces administrative burden and ensures families receive more personalised and efficient support.
He added that relief funds will be distributed based on the individual needs and preferences of each affected household as authorities continue long-term assistance efforts following what is considered Hong Kong’s deadliest fire in decades.
