Maternity leave
You are entitled to 14 continuous weeks of maternity leave. Tell your employer about the pregnancy, with a medical certificate showing the expected date of delivery.
Maternity pay
If you have worked for your employer for at least 40 weeks before your leave starts, your maternity leave is paid at four-fifths of your average daily wage. The Government reimburses the employer for part of it, so this does not all fall on the family.
You cannot be dismissed for being pregnant
Once you have told your employer you are pregnant, they must not dismiss you from that day until the end of your maternity leave, except for serious misconduct. An employer who does can be prosecuted, and must pay you compensation.
Check-ups
Days off for pregnancy check-ups count as sickness days and can be paid even if you take just one day, when supported by a certificate.
This explains the law in plain words. It is not legal advice — confirm with the Labour Department, 2717 1771.
Sources
- Labour Department — foreign domestic helpers
- Labour Department — Concise Guide to the Employment Ordinance
Updated 18 September 2026