Categories: Helper's Rights & Regulation

2021 Domestic Helper Statutory Holidays: Full list & Guide

See 2026 Domestic Helper Statutory Holidays in Hong Kong: Full List and Guide for the updated guide

Table of Contents

Statutory holidays are mandatory holidays for domestic helpers according to the Hong Kong law – all foreign domestic helpers in Hong Kong are entitled to the 12 statutory holidays annually regardless of their length of service. Even if your domestic helper has worked for you for only one day, she is still entitled to the statutory holiday.

The list of Hong Kong statutory holidays 2021

1 January 2021, Friday – The first day of January
14 February 2021, Friday – Lunar New Year’s Day
13 February 2021, Saturday – The second day of Lunar New Year
15 February 2021, Monday – The fourth day of Lunar New Year
4 April 2021, Sunday – Ching Ming Festival
1 May 2021, Saturday – Labour Day
14 June 2021, Monday – Tuen Ng Festival / Dragon Boat Festival
1 July 2021, Thursday – HKSAR Establishment Day
22 September 2021, Wednesday – The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
1 October 2021, Friday – China National Day
14 October 2021, Thursday – Chung Yeung Festival
21 December 2021, Tuesday – Chinese Winter Solstice Festival OR
25 December 2021, Saturday – Christmas Day (at the option of the employer)

Rules about domestic helper statutory holidays in Hong Kong

It is up to you to decide whether you should give your domestic helper the day off on General Holidays, but it is always nice to give them the day off if you are not working yourself and don’t need them.

However, clear rules exist and apply when it comes to Statutory Holidays in Hong Kong:

Statutory Holidays are mandatory – you must give your domestic helper the day off.
They are mandatory irrespective of the length of service – no matter if your domestic helper has been with you for 2 years or only 2 days, she must have the day off.
If your domestic helper has been with you for at least 3 months under a continuous contract, she is entitled to paid statutory holidays. If she has been with you for less than 3 months she is entitled to statutory holidays. However, in such a case, it is strictly up to you to decide whether you want to pay her or not.
All statutory holidays must be taken off – you cannot pay your domestic helper to work on a statutory holiday (even if you pay her extra). Note that any payment made in lieu of statutory holidays can result in a fine.
If for some reason, you need your domestic helper to work on a statutory holiday, you must give her at least a 48 hours’ prior notice and arrange an alternative holiday within a 2-month period before or after the statutory holiday.
Should the statutory holiday fall on your domestic helper’s usual rest day, you should grant her a mandatory holiday either on the following day, which is not a statutory holiday, or you can also choose to grant her an alternative holiday, a substituted holiday, or a rest day. Simply put, you are not allowed to let your domestic helper take her rest day when it is a statutory holiday. Note that this shouldn’t happen on a Sunday because the statutory holidays will then automatically be moved to the following Monday.

What about the general holidays (public holidays)?

Besides the 12 statutory holidays, Hong Kong has another 5 general holidays on which most employees are free: Good Friday, Easter Saturday, Easter Monday, Buddha’s Birthday and Boxing Day (December 26).

You are not required to give your domestic helper general holidays (public holidays). You can decide to also give your domestic helper the general holiday off so she can recharge as it may also boost the work morale.

Key Things to Note

Keeping track of the annual holiday schedule is about more than just legal compliance; it is a vital part of maintaining a healthy and sustainable household. When statutory holidays are handled with transparency and respect, it builds a foundation of trust between you and your domestic helper. Clear communication regarding dates and entitlements prevents fatigue and ensures your helper returns to their duties with renewed energy. At HelperChoice, we believe that a well-rested helper is the heart of a happy home, and staying organized with these dates is the best way to ensure your household continues to thrive.