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E-news Issue 202

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Five-day statutory paternity leave now in effect

The extension of Hong Kong’s statutory paternity leave to five days took effect on 18 January 2019.

Male employees with a child born on or after 18 January 2019 are now entitled to five day’s paternity leave for each confinement of their spouse/partner. It may be taken in one go or on separate days, within the period of four weeks prior to the expected date of delivery and 10 weeks following the actual birth of the child.

Prior notice must be given to employers. If the employee has already notified his employer of his intention to take paternity leave at least three months before the expected date of delivery, he may take the leave immediately after informing his employer of the actual dates of leave. In case the employee fails to give the three months’ advance notice, he must notify the employer of the dates of leave at least five days before taking it.

To be eligible for paternity leave pay, the employee is required to have worked under a continuous contract of at least 40 weeks immediately before the intended leave commences.

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