On Jun. 27, 2025, HK PRL said HK GVT has gazetted the Employment (amendment) ordinance 2025, which comes into effect on the first Sunday after the expiry of 6 months after the day on which it is published in the gazette, i.e., on Dec. 28, 2025.
On Apr. 11, HK LAB, HK PRL gazetted amendment lowering threshold.
HK LAB, HK PRL published Employment (amendment) bill 2025 revising working hours threshold of continuous contract requirement in Employment ordinance (chapter 57).
Aim to make it easier for employees to meet revised requirement and enjoy benefits.
Follows HK LAB Feb. 2024 reviewed the continuous contract requirement, #199958.
Outline of Changes
Revises the continuous contract requirement under the Employment Ordinance (EO) (Cap. 57), making it easier for employees to enjoy comprehensive employment rights.
This includes lowering the weekly working hours threshold from 18 hours to 17 hours.
A week with less than 17 working hours will still qualify if combined with 3 preceding weeks' hours totaling at least 68 hours; existing eligibility criteria for employees to enjoy various statutory benefits under Employment ordinance will remain unchanged.
Next Steps
Bill will be introduced into HK PRL for first and second readings on Apr. 16, 2025.
Jun. 18, 2025 Bill Passed
On Jun. 18, 2025, HK LAB welcomed the passage of the Employment (amendment) bill 2025 in HK PRL on the same day, and outlined the key changes described above.
The Employment (amendment) ordinance 2025 will be gazetted on Jun. 27, 2025; the revised continuous contract requirement will be effective from Jan. 18, 2026 onwards.
In the meantime, HK GVT will publicize the new ordinance through various channels, presenting it in layman's terms to enhance employers' and employees' understanding.
Jun. 27, 2025 Ordinance Gazetted
On Jun. 27, 2025, HK PRL said HK GVT has gazetted the Employment (amendment) ordinance 2025, which comes into effect on the first Sunday after the expiry of 6 months after the day on which it is published in the gazette, i.e., on Dec. 28, 2025.
