Hong Kong Orientation Guide

Registering the Birth

Parents have42 days to register a birth.Aslongas thebirth isregisteredwithin the period there isnofee.Ifachildwasborninhospitalthisshouldbedoneatthelocalregistryofficeandthe childneednot be present. However,if thebirthdidnottakeplace in hospital it is necessary togo to the Births and Deaths General Registry Office.

The birth can be registered by either parent(if they aremarried),or by themother if she is unmarried. The following documents, plus copies, are necessary:

• Marriage certificate of the parents (if applicable) • Hong Kong Identity Card of both parents, or proof of identity/passport

It iswise to ask for a copy of the certified entry of the birth. Expatriates may then register the birth with their own consulate.Formore informationon registering the birth,please refer to the Hong Kong Government website below:

www.gov.hk/en/residents/immigration/bdmreg/index.htm

Working and Maternity Leave

Legislation protects pregnant women in the workplace andwomen whowork more than 18 hours aweek are entitled to receive paidmaternity leave.It is inawoman’s best interests to let heremployerknowassoonasthepregnancy isconfirmed. Many international firmsmayoffer additional benefits than the basic legislation.

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