(Updated on January 16, 2026)
Understanding domestic helper’s leave rights isn’t just good practice — it’s required by law in Hong Kong. This guide breaks down everything employers and helpers need to know about annual leave entitlements, public holidays, rest days, home leave, and more.
Under Hong Kong’s Employment Ordinance, foreign domestic helpers are entitled to several types of leave. Each one serves a different purpose and should be treated separately:
Rest Days – At least one rest day every 7 days
Statutory Holidays – Paid public holidays set by law
Paid Annual Leave – Yearly paid leave that increases with service
Home Leave – Leave to return to the helper’s home country during the contract
These entitlements help ensure helpers get enough rest while giving employers clear guidelines to follow.
Domestic helpers in Hong Kong are entitled to at least one full rest day (24 continuous hours) in every period of seven days. This rest day gives helpers time to relax, recharge, and take care of personal matters outside work.
Key points:
A rest day should be completely free from household duties.
Employers shouldn’t require helpers to work on their rest day except in emergencies.
If a statutory holiday falls on a rest day, the helper should still get that holiday off — and usually the following working day off as well.
Statutory holidays are paid public holidays that domestic helpers are entitled to under Hong Kong law. Helpers can enjoy these holidays regardless of how long they have worked for their employer.
The 15 statutory holidays for the year 2026 are:
As Ching Ming Festival, the Birthday of the Buddha, and the Chung Yeung Festival all fall on Sundays in 2026, the following day will be designated as a substitute general holiday. Since the day after Ching Ming coincides with Easter Monday, the next non-holiday weekday will be observed instead.
Statutory holidays are separate from rest days and annual leave.
If a statutory holiday falls on a helper’s rest day, they should receive the next available day off.
Annual leave refers to paid leave earned by a domestic helper after each 12-month period of continuous employment with the same employer. It’s a right protected by law and must be granted each year once eligibility is met.
Domestic helpers in Hong Kong earn paid annual leave that increases with length of service under the Employment Ordinance:
| Years of Service | Paid Annual Leave Entitlement |
|---|---|
| 1st year | 7 days |
| 2nd year | 7 days |
| 3rd year | 8 days |
| 4th year | 9 days |
| 5th year | 10 days |
| 6th year | 11 days |
| 7th year | 12 days |
| 8th year | 13 days |
| 9+ years | 14 days |
The entitlement increases progressively up to a maximum of 14 days.
A domestic helper must complete 12 months of continuous employment with the same employer before earning annual leave. Before this, the helper is not yet entitled to paid annual leave under the Ordinance.
The timing of annual leave should be decided together between the employer and the helper. Once agreed:
The employer should provide written notice at least 14 days in advance.
Paid annual leave should be taken in one continuous block unless both agree otherwise.
Yes, but with certain rules:
If the domestic helper is entitled to 10 days or less, up to 3 days can be taken separately, and the rest must be taken consecutively.
If entitled to more than 10 days, at least 7 days must be taken consecutively by the helper.
Employers and domestic helpers are encouraged to communicate openly and plan annual leave together, so both sides feel comfortable and respected in the arrangement.
To avoid any misunderstandings, it’s also a good idea for employers and helpers to keep a simple written record of the agreed annual leave dates, which should be mutually signed.
During annual leave:
The helper receives their average daily wage.
Food allowance (if part of the contract) should still be paid as usual.
This ensures helpers don’t lose income while taking their rightful time off.
If a domestic helper leaves before completing a full year but has worked 3 months or more, a helper is entitled to pro-rata annual leave pay. Unused annual leave days must be settled in cash at the end of the contract.
Yes. If a rest day or public holiday occurs during annual leave, it counts as annual leave, and you should schedule another date to make up for the lost rest day or holiday
Yes. The helper receives their average daily wage for the annual leave period plus their regular food allowance as part of their normal pay package.
A helper can receive cash in lieu of unused annual leave in these situations:
If entitled to more than 10 days of annual leave, the helper may choose to take at least 10 days off and receive pay in cash for the extra days.
If the contract ends and the helper has worked more than 3 months (and not dismissed summarily), all unused annual leave must be paid in cash.
Home leave (also called vacation leave) is separate from annual leave. Under the Standard Employment Contract required by Hong Kong Immigration:
Helpers must be granted at least 7 days of vacation leave during the contract to return to their place of origin.
The employer covers the flight ticket for home leave.
Whether home leave is paid or unpaid depends on the agreement and contract terms.
Annual leave and home leave can be taken together if both parties agree, making it easier for helpers to rest and visit family
Yes. Annual leave and home leave can be combined if both the employer and the domestic helper agree. Many helpers choose this option when travelling home, as it allows for a longer, uninterrupted break.
When combining leave, it’s best to agree on the dates in advance and confirm which days are covered by annual leave and which by home leave. Annual leave and home leave remain separate entitlements, and the employer is still responsible for providing airfare for home leave as required under the contract.
Clear leave policies:
Support fair employment, strengthen relationships, and reduce disputes
Ensure compliance with the Hong Kong Employment Ordinance
Provide helpers with predictable time off for rest, holidays, and family connections
✔ Rest day every 7 days
✔ Paid statutory holidays – 14 days total
✔ Paid annual leave increasing up to 14 days
✔ Written leave notices is highly recommended
✔ Food allowance continues during annual leave
✔ Home leave is paid separately
Clear communication and mutual understanding go a long way in creating a positive employer-helper relationship. By planning leave together and respecting each other’s needs, both employers and domestic helpers can enjoy a smoother, more supportive working arrangement built on trust and respect.
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