iGlobal Law

Core Facts

• Population:  7.4 million
• GDP:  USD 309 billion
• GDP per head:  USD 36,173
• Workforce:  3.8M
• Unemployment (2017):  3.2%
• Average monthly wages (2017):  USD  1,984

Regulatory

• Government debt:  32% of GDP
• Personal income tax:  15%
• Corporation tax:  16.5%
• World corruption ranking 2016:  15th Transparency International
• Ease of doing business ranking:  4th Business Freedom Index
• Data protection:  Not recognised by EU as having adequate protection

Given its colonial history, it is not surprising that Hong Kong’s labour law differs markedly from that found in mainland China. While elements of the English common law approach are present in Hong Kong, labour relations are primarily governed by the Employment Ordinance. At first glance, with no collective bargaining, little in the way of unionisation, low entitlement to paid annual leave and other areas of labour law light on regulation, Hong Kong can appear a remarkably employer-friendly jurisdiction, but employers should note that terminations still require notice and statutory severance payments for those with over two years’ service can be relatively high.