Hong Kong is set to close a long-standing loophole that has been criticised for allowing the exploitation of part-time, temporary, or casual workers.

Under the city’s Employment Ordinance, staff who work at least 18 hours each week over four continuous weeks are deemed to have a “continuous contract”.

Such workers are entitled to statutory benefits, including statutory holiday pay, paid annual leave, sickness allowance, maternity and paternity leave, severance payment and long-service payment.