Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted
The Government published the Employment (Amendment) Bill 2025 (the Bill) in the Gazette today (April 11).
The Bill seeks to revise the working hours threshold of the "continuous contract" requirement under the Employment Ordinance (Chapter 57) (EO), making it easier for employees to meet the revised "continuous contract" requirement and thus be able to enjoy comprehensive employment benefits.
A spokesman for the Labour Department said, "The weekly working hours threshold of the 'continuous contract' requirement will be lowered from 18 hours to 17 hours. Moreover, a week with less than 17 working hours will still be regarded as a period under the 'continuous contract' of employment once the sum of the working hours of that week and those of the three weeks immediately preceding it reaches 68 hours. The Labour Advisory Board has reached a consensus on the proposed amendments."
The spokesman added, "The existing eligibility criteria for employees to enjoy various statutory benefits under the EO will remain unchanged. Subject to a smooth passage of the Bill, the amendment ordinance will come into operation on the first Sunday after six months upon its gazettal. During this period, the Labour Department will widely publicise the salient features of the amendments to employers and employees through various channels, facilitating both parties in getting prepared."
The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for first and second readings on April 16. The Government will fully complement the work of the LegCo in scrutinising the Bill, with a view to seeking the LegCo's support and passage of the Bill.
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy
The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) co-hosted the Hong Kong Night on April 30 (Udine time), which was organised by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, and the Hong Kong Film Development Council at the 27th Far East Film Festival (FEFF) in Udine, Italy from April 24 to May 2.
Speaking at the Hong Kong Night, the Deputy Representative of the HKETO, Brussels, Miss Fiona Li remarked that, "For decades, Hong Kong has stood as a vibrant global film hub. From adrenaline-pumping action thrillers, gripping crime dramas and kung-fu epics, to laugh-out-loud comedies and deeply moving romances, our films reflect the artistic spirit, unmatched creativity, and distinctive character of our city. Our filmmakers have not only entertained but also influenced cinema around the world."
She concluded her speech by inviting audiences to visit Hong Kong in person to stroll through the iconic filming locations, dive into its vibrant stores and experience first-hand Hong Kong's dynamic energy and cinematic soul.
The FEFF is one of the largest film festivals in Europe, showcasing the latest productions from Asia and receiving significant national and international interest from the film industry, cultural sector and media. At this year's FEFF, international audiences in Italy are being treated to a special selection of films titled "Making Waves - Navigators of Hong Kong Cinema" ("Making Waves"), which showcased films from both the established and the new and emerging talents. The "Making Waves" featured ten new and reprospective films, including restored classics from Hong Kong during the festival.
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
HKETO, Brussels co-hosts Hong Kong Night at Far East Film Festival in Udine, Italy Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
