Question 1

What is the 468 rule in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

The 468 rule is a provision under Hong Kong's Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57) that defines a continuous contract of employment. An employee who works 18 hours or more per week for 4 consecutive weeks — totalling 68 hours or more in that rolling window — is considered a continuous contract employee, entitling them to statutory employment protections and benefits.

Question 2

What is a continuous contract under Hong Kong employment law?

Accepted Answer

A continuous contract is established when an employee works for the same employer for 4 consecutive weeks, with at least 18 hours per week, totalling 68 or more hours in the 4-week period. This status triggers statutory protections under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57), including paid leave, holiday pay, sickness allowance, and protection against unreasonable dismissal.

Question 3

What benefits do continuous contract employees get in Hong Kong?

Accepted Answer

Continuous contract employees in Hong Kong are entitled to: paid annual leave, statutory holidays with pay, sickness allowance, severance and long service payments, protection against unreasonable dismissal, maternity and paternity leave, and rest days. These benefits are guaranteed under the Employment Ordinance (Cap. 57).

Question 4

How many hours do I need to work to qualify under the 468 rule?

Accepted Answer

You need to work at least 18 hours per week for 4 consecutive weeks, with a total of 68 hours or more across that 4-week rolling window. The '4-6-8' in the name refers to 4 weeks, with the 68-hour threshold (sometimes expressed as 6-8). Once you meet this threshold, you are considered a continuous contract employee.

Question 5

What was the 418 rule?

Accepted Answer

The 418 rule was the previous version of the continuous contract threshold in Hong Kong. It required employees to work at least 18 hours per week for 4 consecutive weeks (4 weeks, 18 hours = '418'). The updated 468 rule changed the requirement to 4 consecutive weeks totalling 68 hours or more, broadening protection to more part-time, casual, and hourly workers.

4 weeks. 68 hours.