HONG KONG, May 31 (AP) -- Hong Kong on Wednesday raised the minimum monthly wage for foreign domestic helpers by 80 Hong Kong dollars (US$10; €8) to HK$3,400 (US$438; €340), far short of the maids' demands.

The domestic workers have repeatedly demanded that their base pay be restored to HK$3,670 (US$473; €367), after the government slashed their required wages to HK$3,270 (US$421; €327) during a 2003 economic recession.

The government granted the foreign workers an HK$50 (US$6; €5) increase last year, and said in a statement that this year's increase of 80 Hong Kong dollars (US$10; €8) was made "in light of Hong Kong's general economic and employment situation." It did not elaborate.

Tens of thousands of foreigners work as domestic helpers in wealthy Hong Kong. Most are from the Philippines, with smaller numbers from Indonesia, Thailand and Nepal.

Calls to maid activists Wednesday seeking comment weren't immediately returned.

The South China Morning Post newspaper on Wednesday quoted activist Eman Villanueva as saying that "HK$80 (US$10; €8) is not even enough for a day's allowance for foreign domestic helpers."