The latest from China & Hong Kong

Hong Kong's Top Talent Pass Scheme (TTPS) has become one of the city's fastest-growing visa routes since its December 2022 launch, with over 90,000 approvals by early 2026. For employers, it changes the hiring calculus: certain candidates can already be in Hong Kong, work-ready, without you sponsoring a General Employment Policy visa. How TTPS differs from the GEP The General Employment Policy requires a sponsoring employer, a confirmed offer and evidence that the role can't

Hong Kong is renowned for its business-friendly environment, straightforward tax regime, and efficient legal infrastructure, making it a prime location for companies seeking to establish a foothold in Asia. However, navigating the human resources (HR), payroll, and employment regulatory framework is essential for long-term compliance and operational success. This article provides a clear overview of the key HR and payroll requirements in Hong Kong, along with employment rules

Expanding into Hong Kong, one of Asia’s premier business hubs, is an exciting opportunity for companies aiming to grow their presence in...

Under the current system, employers in Hong Kong can offset severance payments (SP) and long service payments (LSP) against accrued...

In Hong Kong, employment relationships are primarily regulated by the Employment Ordinance (Cap 57). This essential piece of legislation...

Employers in Hong Kong must be familiar with local labour laws to ensure compliance and create a supportive work environment. Understanding employee benefits is a key part of this, as Hong Kong mandates several statutory benefits to protect employees' rights and well-being. Beyond these required benefits, employers often provide additional perks to attract and retain top talent. Mandatory Employee Benefits in Hong Kong In Hong Kong, mandatory employee benefits, also known as

Employment and labour laws in Hong Kong, including leave policies, are primarily governed by The Employment Ordinance. This ordinance establishes essential employment principles such as wage payments, wage deduction restrictions, guaranteed holidays, and working hours. It also addresses other significant aspects of the employee-employer relationship to ensure fair working conditions. Employees in Hong Kong are entitled to 7-14 days of annual leave after completing 12 months o

In Hong Kong, standard working hours typically range from 40 to 48 hours per week. In certain lower-skilled industries, it's not uncommon for employees to work up to 60 hours per week. According to 2019 data, the average working week is around 42 hours. Legislation concerning working hours primarily applies to children (aged 13 to 15) and young people (aged 15 to 18), limiting their work to a maximum of eight hours a day or 48 hours a week in industrial settings. What are the

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has announced a new measure aimed at improving immigration clearance...

Many people associate China with Hong Kong rather than Mainland China. This is largely due to Hong Kong's status as a global business...

Hong Kong has increased the minimum hourly wage rate from HK$37.5 (US$4.8) to HK$40 (US$5.11). Employers must record the total number of...

Hong Kong's labor law provides a comprehensive framework governing the rights and responsibilities of employers and employees in the Special Administrative Region. Key Components The critical component is the Employment Ordinance, which outlines fundamental employment terms, including working hours, rest days, holidays, and termination procedures. It also addresses important issues such as wages, benefits, and maternity leave to ensure employee protection. The labor laws also

Employment termination in Hong Kong follows specific regulations and practices designed to protect both employers and employees. An employment contract can be terminated in two ways: Termination by notice Immediate termination Immediate Termination An employer may terminate the contract without notice if the employee commits: Willful disobedience of a lawful and reasonable order Misconduct Fraud or dishonesty Habitual neglect of duties During the first month of a probation pe

A visa or entry permit is required for working, studying, establishing, or joining any business or residence in the Hong Kong SAR. However, individuals holding certain travel documents, such as the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Passport or the British National (Overseas) Passport, do not require a visa or entry permit for any purpose. Employment Visas All foreign nationals must obtain a visa to work in Hong Kong. Securing a work visa can be challenging, as companies

All employees in Hong Kong are entitled to leave on statutory holidays, regardless of their length of service. Hong Kong’s Statutory Holidays in 2024: New Year’s Day (January 1): 1 day First three days of Lunar New Year (late January or early February): 3 days Ching Ming Festival (April 4): 1 day Labor Day (May 1): 1 day The Birthday of the Buddha (May 15): 1 day Tuen Ng Festival (June 10): 1 day Establishment of the Hong Kong SAR (July 1): 1 day The day following the Chinese

Hong Kong tax authorities have decided to strengthen current legislation to better combat cross-border tax avoidance arising from double...

The Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF), under which employers and employees are required by law to make monthly contributions, was...

For decades, Hong Kong has been the bridge between East and West and its unique working culture attracts talent from all over the world....