The Day Following National Day in Hong Kong
Hong Kong’s day following National Day is a general holiday when 1 October falls on a Sunday. It extends the public holiday calendar through the following day under Hong Kong’s substitution rule.[1]
Legal status and the Sunday rule
The General Holidays Ordinance provides that National Day, 1 October, is a general holiday; if it falls on a Sunday, the following day is observed instead. General holidays are days on which banks, educational establishments, public offices and government departments need not open.[1]
Hong Kong also has statutory holidays under the Employment Ordinance. National Day is on that statute’s list, while the day following National Day is not listed as a separate recurring statutory holiday. If a statutory holiday falls on an employee’s rest day, the employer must grant another holiday under the ordinance’s rules. Statutory holiday pay is due to employees who have worked under a continuous contract for at least three months.[2]
Meaning and observance
National Day marks the founding of the People’s Republic of China, proclaimed on 1 October 1949. The Hong Kong SAR Government describes its annual National Day celebrations as marking that anniversary.[3]
The official events described by the Government take place on National Day itself and have included a flag-raising ceremony, reception, variety show and fireworks display. District Offices also coordinate celebrations with local characteristics. The following day serves as a general holiday when the Sunday rule applies.[1][3]
Closures and planning
On a general holiday, banks, schools and government offices need not open. This means their holiday schedules may differ from ordinary weekdays. The day’s general-holiday status does not establish that every private business or transport service closes, so check individual opening hours and service notices before making plans.[1]
For employees, the relevant employment rules are separate from the general-holiday calendar. National Day is a statutory holiday, and when it falls on an employee’s rest day, the employer must arrange another holiday in accordance with the statutory rules. Employees required to work on a statutory holiday must receive the applicable alternative holiday arrangements.[2]
Frequently asked questions
Is the day following National Day a public holiday in Hong Kong?
It is a general holiday when 1 October falls on a Sunday; the following day is observed under the Sunday substitution rule.[1]
Do employees get the day off?
Employees are entitled to statutory holidays, including National Day. If National Day falls on an employee’s rest day, the employer must grant another holiday under the Employment Ordinance. Holiday pay depends on the statutory conditions, including three months of continuous employment.[2]
Are banks, schools and government offices open?
They need not open on a general holiday, so check the relevant institution’s schedule before visiting.[1]
Are shops and public transport open?
The general-holiday rule cited here does not specify opening hours for private shops or transport services. Check directly with the business or operator for its schedule.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for The day following National Day in Hong Kong SAR China:
- LCQ7: Arrangements regarding additional or substituted general holidays- The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- The Employment Ordinance, Cap. 57- Labour Department, The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region
- LCQ1: Celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China- The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region