What statutory holidays are domestic helpers entitled to in Hong Kong?

Q: What statutory holidays are domestic helpers entitled to in Hong Kong?

Domestic helpers in Hong Kong are entitled to all 17 statutory holidays per year, and the day off is mandatory from the very first day of employment. However, the employer is only required to pay for statutory holidays once the helper has been continuously employed for at least 3 months. During the first 3 months, the day off is still compulsory — only the payment for that day may be withheld.

Overview

Statutory holidays are gazetted public holidays that every employer in Hong Kong must grant to their helper. Unlike annual leave (which accrues over time), statutory holidays apply from day one — but there is an important nuance around pay during the first three months of employment.

The 17 Statutory Holidays

As of 2025, Hong Kong has 17 statutory holidays per year:

New Year's Day
Chinese New Year (3 days)
Ching Ming Festival
Good Friday + day after + Easter Monday
Buddha's Birthday (Labour Day)
Tuen Ng (Dragon Boat) Festival
Hong Kong SAR Establishment Day
Day following Mid-Autumn Festival
National Day
Chung Yeung Festival
Christmas Day + Boxing Day

The exact dates vary each year. The Labour Department publishes an updated list annually.

Are Statutory Holidays Paid?

After the first 3 months: Yes — statutory holidays are fully paid. The helper receives their normal day's wage for each statutory holiday.

During the first 3 months: The employer must still grant the day off, but is not required to pay for it. The employer may deduct that day's wages from the monthly salary. The day off itself cannot be refused or converted to a working day.

In short: the entitlement to take the day off exists from day one. The entitlement to be paid for it begins after 3 months of continuous employment.

What If a Helper Works on a Statutory Holiday?

If the employer needs the helper to work on a statutory holiday, the employer must:

Give the helper at least 48 hours' notice in advance
Grant an alternative day off within 60 days (before or after the original date)

Cash payment in lieu of granting the day off is not permitted — even if the helper agrees. An actual day off (either the original holiday or a substitute) is always required by law.

Important Notes

Statutory holidays are separate from annual leave and weekly rest days — they stack, not substitute
The Employment Ordinance sets the minimum of 17 statutory holidays; FDHs are not entitled to general holidays (of which there are more) unless specifically agreed in the contract
If a statutory holiday falls on the helper's scheduled rest day, an alternative day must be arranged