Sick leave and sickness allowance for helpers

Paid sickness days add up

You earn 2 paid sickness days for each full month in your first 12 months, and 4 for each month after that. They build up for as long as you work for the same employer, to a maximum of 120 days.

When sick leave is paid

• the sick leave is at least four days in a row (a pregnancy check-up counts even if it is a single day);
• you have enough paid sickness days built up;
• you have a medical certificate.

How much

Sickness allowance is four-fifths of your average daily wage for each day, paid no later than your next payday.

Free medical treatment

Your standard contract says your employer provides free medical treatment while you work in Hong Kong: doctor’s visits, hospital stays and emergency dental treatment. You should not pay for these yourself.

Being dismissed while on sick leave

An employer must not dismiss you while you are on paid sick leave, except for serious misconduct.