Hong Kong Set to Extend Statutory Maternity Leave

The new measure, which is due to be implemented by the end of 2020, will benefit approximately 27,000 pregnant women annually in Hong Kong.

Employers will be reimbursed by the government on a monthly basis with the additional salary costs, with a cap of HK$80,000 (US$10,300) for each employee, this is double what the government had initially proposed.

It is hoped that the extended leave will support and encourage working women to adopt breastfeeding for a longer period of time and thus improve the health and development of their children.

Female workers who suffer a miscarriage at or after 24 weeks of pregnancy are entitled to the benefit, this has been decreased from the original 28 weeks.

For more information on Hong Kong tax and social security measures, consult our Global Insight Guide to Hong Kong