ARE DOMESTIC HELPERS ENTITLED TO ALL HONG KONG PUBLIC HOLIDAYS?

 

We have asked our Domestic Help team to pass along questions that are frequently asked about hiring a domestic helper -- we will be sharing them on this forum on a regular basis to help employers navigate their responsibilities and ensure compliance with Hong Kong employment regulations.

Many employers are uncertain which public holidays their helper is entitled to. This confusion is understandable, as the system for domestic helpers differs from standard employment arrangements in Hong Kong. It's one of the most frequently asked questions we receive from both new and experienced employers.

Do helpers have the same number of days off as everyone else --- or are they eligible for fewer days? This is a crucial question that affects both your planning as an employer and your helper's well-being and rights.

And the answer is ... no... Domestic Helpers are not eligible for the same public holidays as the general population in Hong Kong. While most employees in Hong Kong are entitled to 17 public holidays, Foreign Domestic Helpers (FDHs) are entitled to 15 statutory holidays this 2026. This is an important legal distinction that all employers must understand and respect.

There are 15 statutory holidays for 2026 that your FDH is entitled to. As an employer, you are legally required to grant these days off, and your helper should not be expected to work on these dates unless alternative arrangements are mutually agreed upon in advance.

Please also note that an employer cannot pay a FDH in lieu of a statutory holiday that the helper was entitled to but was required to work. Another day off must be arranged and given to the helper instead.

Please note that for holiday number 14, you as the employer have the option to choose between the Chinese Winter Solstice Festival (22 December) or Christmas Day (25 December). This flexibility allows you to accommodate your household's preferences and traditions.

It's also worth remembering that in addition to these 15 statutory holidays, your domestic helper is entitled to at least one rest day per week, which is typically negotiated in the employment contract.