When does Easter Monday become a statutory holiday in Hong Kong?

Starting in 2026, Easter Monday is a statutory holiday. Employers must give the day off or a replacement day if it falls on a rest day. Eligible staff receive holiday pay based on average wages. Plan rosters early and record any changes in writing to meet Hong Kong 2026 statutory holID rules.

How do replacement days work if Easter Monday is a rest day?

Provide a Hong Kong replacement holiday on the next or an agreed date and confirm it in writing. Keep roster notes and signed acknowledgements. This protects both parties and supports Hong Kong 2026 statutory holID compliance during audits, especially for shift teams and households employing foreign domestic helpers.

What is the penalty for getting pay‑in‑lieu wrong?

If employers underpay or mishandle pay‑in‑lieu for a statutory holiday, fines can reach HK$50,000. Avoid risk by using average wages for holiday pay, documenting consent for any changes, and keeping accurate rosters and pay slips. These steps support Hong Kong 2026 statutory holID compliance.

Do foreign domestic helpers get the Easter Monday holiday?

Yes, foreign domestic helper leave includes statutory holidays from 2026, adding Easter Monday. Eligible helpers get the day off or a replacement day plus holiday pay based on average wages. Households should confirm plans in writing and keep records to comply with Hong Kong 2026 statutory holID requirements.

Law and Government

January 02: Hong Kong 2026 Statutory Holidays Add Easter Monday

ByHuzaifa Zahoor January 2, 2026January 2, 2026

Hong Kong 2026 statutory holID rules add Easter Monday as a statutory holiday. From 2026, employers must give the day off or a replacement day if it overlaps a rest day. Eligible employees receive holiday pay based on average wages. Breaches on pay‑in‑lieu can draw fines up to HK$50,000. We explain what changes, who is covered, and how to plan staffing, payroll, and records so your team and household stay compliant in 2026.