10 domestic helpers killed in HK fire, families to get HK$800,000 (S$133,200) in govt compensation

The families of the foreign domestic workers who died in the deadly Tai Po fire will each receive close to HK$800,000 (S$133,200) in condolence and compensation payments, Hong Kong’s labour chief has announced.

As of 5pm on Dec. 2, 10 domestic workers have been confirmed dead, while 30 are still unaccounted for.

Three additional foreign domestic helpers were injured in the fire and are receiving treatment, according to Xinhua.

The survivors will receive payouts to cover loss of income, medical fee waivers, and compensation for injuries, reported the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

Condolence and compensation package

The package comprises more than HK$500,000 (S$83,600) in statutory compensation, along with an additional HK$250,000 (S$41,814) in aid for each family, said Hong Kong Secretary for Labour and Welfare Chris Sun Yuk-han on Dec. 2.

Of the latter amount, HK$200,000 (S$33,282) will be given as a token of solidarity, while the rest will help cover funeral and related expenses.

Survivors of the blaze will receive HK$20,000 (S$3,327) to cover loss of income, as well as an Octopus card loaded with HK$2,000 (S$332) each.

This applies whether they were injured or not, according to the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) news platform.

Meanwhile, injured workers will be eligible for full medical fee waivers until Dec. 21, 2026, as well as compensation of either HK$50,000 (S$8,317) or HK$100,000 (S$16,635), depending on how long they're hospitalised.

Sun stressed that the government will avoid fraudulent claims and ensure that the funds will reach the rightful beneficiaries.

“We will make sure only genuine family members are eligible to claim the financial assistance.”

Deaths and injuries

The victims were among hundreds of residents caught in one of Hong Kong’s deadliest residential fires in decades.

In total, 156 people have been confirmed dead.

Efforts to identify bodies and trace missing persons are still ongoing.

Sun added:

“I would like to extend our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased foreign domestic helpers. At the same time, I wish all those who were injured in the fire a very speedy recovery.

We are truly grateful for their selflessness and also their heroic acts during the fire because many of them, they were taking care of the elderly, children and babies in Wang Fuk Court.”

At the same briefing, Philippine Secretary for Migrant Workers Hans Leo J. Cacdac thanked the HKSAR government for its support.

He acknowledged the financial assistance, temporary accommodation, and psychological counselling offered to affected foreign domestic helpers.

Top images via news.gov.hk, Sing Tao Daily