Statutory Holiday 2026 for Domestic Helper in Hong Kong

In Hong Kong, foreign domestic helpers are entitled to statutory holidays under the Employment Ordinance, just like other employees. In 2026, domestic helpers are entitled to 15 statutory holidays, up from 14 in 2025, because Easter Monday has been added as a statutory holiday from 2026 onwards.  

Statutory holidays are different from weekly rest days and annual leave, and employers should not confuse these entitlements. This article will show you the statutory holidays in 2026 and answer some common questions related to them.

Quick Summary

• Domestic helpers in Hong Kong are entitled to 15 statutory holidays in 2026. 
• Easter Monday is the newly added statutory holiday from 2026. 
• A helper is entitled to statutory holidays regardless of length of service. 
• Statutory holiday pay applies after 3 months under a continuous contract. 
• If a statutory holiday falls on a rest day, another holiday must be granted on the next suitable day.

Full List of Statutory Holidays 2026 in Hong Kong

Date	Day	Holiday Name
1 January 2026	Thursday	The first day of January
17 February 2026	Tuesday	Lunar New Year’s Day
18 February 2026	Wednesday	The second day of Lunar New Year
19 February 2026	Thursday	The third day of Lunar New Year
5 April 2026	Sunday	Ching Ming Festival
6 April 2026	Monday	Easter Monday
1 May 2026	Friday	Labour Day
24 May 2026	Sunday	The Birthday of the Buddha
19 June 2026	Friday	Tuen Ng Festival
1 July 2026	Wednesday	Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Establishment Day
26 September 2026	Saturday	The day following the Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival
1 October 2026	Thursday	National Day
18 October 2026	Sunday	Chung Yeung Festival
22 December 2026 or* 25 December 2026	Tuesday or* Friday	Chinese Winter Solstice Festival or  Christmas Day
26 December 2026	Saturday	The first weekday after Christmas Day*

* according to the preferred option of the employer

The Employment Ordinance was gazetted on 16 July, 2021, where there will be 5 additional statutory holidays in the coming years and will be effective in the following order:

• The Birthday of the Buddha from 2023
• The first weekday after Christmas Day from 2024
• Easter Monday from 2026
• Good Friday from 2028
• The day following Good Friday from 2030

Can I Ask the Domestic Helper to Work on Statutory Holidays?

Yes, but the employer must follow the legal rules. If an employer requires a helper to work on a statutory holiday, the employer must give at least 48 hours’ prior notice and arrange an alternative holiday within 60 days before or after the statutory holiday.

It is always best to keep a clear record of any alternative holiday arrangements to avoid misunderstandings.

Should I Pay the Domestic Helper for Statutory Holidays?

Yes, but only if the domestic helper has been employed under a continuous contract for not less than 3 months immediately before the statutory holiday. In that case, the helper is entitled to holiday pay, which should be paid no later than the next payday after the statutory holiday. 

Can I Pay the Domestic Helper Instead of Granting the Statutory Holiday?

No. Employers must not make any payment in lieu of granting a statutory holiday. In other words, a statutory holiday cannot simply be bought out with extra money.

If an employer fails to grant statutory holidays, alternative holidays, or holiday pay where required, they may be liable to prosecution and a fine under the Employment Ordinance. 

What if the statutory holiday falls on a rest day?

If a statutory holiday falls on a rest day, the employer should grant the domestic helper another holiday on the next day which is not a statutory holiday, an alternative holiday, a substituted holiday, or a rest day. In 2026, this will be relevant for holidays such as Ching Ming Festival, the Birthday of the Buddha, and Chung Yeung Festival, which fall on Sundays.

Final Thoughts

Statutory holidays are important for domestic helpers to rest and enjoy their personal time. In 2026, domestic helpers in Hong Kong are entitled to 15 statutory holidays, not 14, because Easter Monday is now included. Employers should make sure they understand the rules on holiday entitlement, holiday pay, and replacement arrangements if a holiday falls on a rest day. 

Respecting these rights helps build a fairer and smoother working relationship for both employers and helpers.