Rest days, holidays, and annual leave

Helpers in Hong Kong have a weekly rest day, public holidays, paid annual leave, and sickness allowance. Families must follow these rules. Helpers should know them too, so both sides can plan fairly.

1. Weekly rest day

A helper must have at least one rest day in every 7 days. A rest day is a continuous 24 hours when she does not have to work. Many households use Sunday. Another day is fine if both sides agree in writing.

2. Paid annual leave

After one year of continuous work, paid annual leave grows with years of service:

3. Public holidays

All foreign domestic helpers get statutory holidays. If the helper has worked continuously for 3 months before the holiday, she is also entitled to holiday pay.

• Working on a holiday: The family must give another holiday within 60 days before or after, with at least 48 hours’ notice.
• No cash instead: A family cannot pay money in place of giving the holiday.