Understanding Statutory Holidays and Public Holidays in Hong Kong for 2024: Key Differences and Future Changes

 

Learn the difference between statutory holidays and public holidays in Hong Kong. Find out about the 2024 labor holidays and how statutory holidays will increase to 17 days. Get all the details about statutory leave and employee entitlement.

Understanding Statutory and Public Holidays in Hong Kong: Your Complete Guide to 2024 Labor Holidays

When it comes to holidays in Hong Kong, there are two terms that many people often confuse: statutory holidays (also known as labor holidays) and public holidays. In this article, we'll break down the key differences between these two types of holidays, particularly in the context of 2024, and explore what this means for employees and employers alike.

For many people, it's not always clear what their rights are when it comes to holiday entitlements. Understanding the 法定假期公眾假期 and how they impact the workplace is crucial for both employees and employers. So, whether you're an employer trying to navigate the legal landscape or an employee looking to understand your rights, you're in the right place.

What are Statutory Holidays?

In Hong Kong, statutory holidays refer to days that are legally required by the Employment Ordinance to be given to employees. These days are typically paid, and employees are entitled to them regardless of their length of service. Statutory holidays are often referred to as labor holidays or red days in Hong Kong.

As of 2024, labor holidays (or 勞工假17日) will be gradually increased from the current 13 days to 17 days, bringing Hong Kong in line with the number of public holidays enjoyed by many other regions. This increase is part of the Employment (Amendment) Ordinance 2021, which aims to ensure better work-life balance and employee welfare in Hong Kong.

It's important to note that while statutory holidays are mandatory, they may not always fall on the same date each year. Some of these holidays, such as the first day of Chinese New Year or National Day, may change according to the lunar calendar.

What are Public Holidays in Hong Kong?

Public holidays, on the other hand, are days that are recognized by the Hong Kong government or specific organizations. Generally, employees of government agencies and certain companies enjoy a larger number of public holidays, typically 17 days. These are sometimes referred to as bank holidays.

Public holidays in Hong Kong are different from statutory holidays in that they are not mandated by the Employment Ordinance but are still widely recognized and often come with compensation if employees are required to work on these days.

In Hong Kong, sh ph (or sh ph分別) is commonly used to refer to the difference between statutory holidays and public holidays. Many people are not fully aware of the key distinctions between the two, leading to confusion about holiday entitlements. To clarify, sh ph or sh ph分別 simply refers to the different days employees are entitled to under the Public Holidays Ordinance and the Employment Ordinance.

Statutory Holidays vs Public Holidays: What’s the Difference?

The key difference between statutory holidays and public holidays lies in their legal requirements.

Statutory Holidays (labor holidays or 勞工假17日) are mandatory holidays, and employees who are covered by the Employment Ordinance are entitled to them.

Public Holidays are days designated by the government, and employees of government agencies and some companies typically receive more of these holidays.

Another distinction is the compensatory leave or PH SH arrangements. If employees are required to work on statutory or public holidays, the employer must offer compensatory leave or additional pay as outlined in the Employment Ordinance.

Statutory Holidays in 2024: What You Need to Know

For 2024, there will be 17 days of statutory holidays, an increase from the 13 statutory holidays previously offered. This increase comes as part of the plan to gradually align statutory holidays with public holidays, ensuring that workers enjoy more time off.

This is important for employers to understand because it will impact how holiday pay is calculated and how employees' entitlement to statutory leave is managed. Under the Employment Ordinance, employers must ensure that employees receive their statutory holidays and that employees working on these days are compensated appropriately.

To learn more about the 2024 statutory holidays and how they will affect your business or your employment rights, visit us at AC Accounting. Our team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of holiday laws and ensure that you're compliant with all statutory requirements.

Key Facts about Statutory Holidays in 2024

Statutory holidays for 2024 will be 17 days, offering workers more time off than before.

These holidays are legally required and must be paid if employees are entitled to them.

Employers must also provide compensatory leave or extra pay for employees working on statutory holidays.

The upcoming changes in the Employment Ordinance will gradually increase the statutory holiday count, benefiting employees.

Employees employed under continuous contracts will be entitled to statutory holidays as per the regulations. For foreign domestic helpers and other workers, the provisions are the same, ensuring that all employees enjoy these benefits.

Are You Prepared for the 2024 Changes?

Employers need to be proactive and ensure they are fully prepared for the changes to statutory holidays. With the gradual increase in labor holidays from 13 to 17 days, it's important to understand how to calculate holiday pay and when compensatory leave needs to be offered. By staying informed, employers can avoid any legal issues and maintain a smooth working environment.

If you're unsure about your statutory holiday rights or how the upcoming changes will affect your business, don't hesitate to click here to discover us and learn more about how AC Accounting can assist you.

For more details on how these changes might affect your holiday entitlements or to discuss sh ph policies in more depth, feel free to contact us at any time. We are here to help!

Contact Information:

For any inquiries related to statutory holidays or employment ordinances, please reach out to us:

Email: info@acaccountinghk.com

Telephone: +852 3580 1380

WhatsApp: +852 6706 0903 or +852 5404 8132

Fax: +852 3460 0216