Do I Get Paid Sick Leave as FDH in Hong Kong?

Do I Get Paid Sick Leave as FDH in Hong Kong?

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Do I Get Paid Sick Leave as FDH in Hong Kong?

Your Right to Sick Leave: A Guide for Domestic Helpers in HK
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If you are a foreign domestic helper in Hong Kong and you fall sick or need pregnancy-related medical visits, you may be entitled to paid sickness leave. This guide explains when you qualify, how much you’ll get, and what your employer must do.

Who Can Get Sickness Allowance?

You are eligible if:
  1. You are under a continuous contract (4+ weeks, 18+ hours/week).
  1. You take at least 4 consecutive sick days
      2. (Pregnancy check-ups, post-birth care, or miscarriage days count even if not consecutive).
  1. You provide:
      • A medical certificate, or
      • A pregnancy-related attendance slip, or
      • Proof of anti-epidemic restrictions from the government

When You’re Not Eligible

You cannot claim allowance if:
  • You refuse treatment by your employer’s approved doctor (without reason)
  • The sick day is on a statutory holiday
  • You are receiving work injury compensation

How Much Will You Get?

  • 80% of your average daily wages
  • Based on your past 12 months’ salary (or shorter if employed less)
  • Must be paid by your regular payday

Earning Paid Sick Days

  • First year: 2 days/month
  • After 1 year: 4 days/month
  • Max: 120 days total

Two Categories of Sick Days

Category
Days
Conditions
1
36
Medical certificate or pregnancy attendance slip; epidemic proof also accepted
2
84
Used after Category 1 runs out; hospital certificate may be required

Record-Keeping

Your employer must record:
  • Start/end of employment
  • Sick days earned and used
  • Allowances paid
✅ You must sign the record within 7 days of returning to work and can ask to see it.

Job Protection

Your employer cannot fire you on a paid sick day (unless for serious misconduct).
If they do, they must pay:
  • Notice pay
  • 7 days’ wages as compensation
  • Any owed sickness allowance
Penalty for employer: up to HKD 100,000 fine

Penalty for Non-Payment

If your employer doesn’t pay your allowance without a good reason:
They can be fined up to HKD 50,000
TIP: Always get a medical certificate or attendance slip and give a copy to your employer.

Source: HK Labour Department