Do part-timers have to contribute to MPF? The 60-day rule explained

Keung, a part-timer, was puzzled when his boss enrolled him in an MPF scheme: do part-time staff really have to contribute? The answer is yes — provided one key condition is met.

When must part-time employees join MPF?

All employees aged 18 to under 65, full-time or part-time, must join an MPF scheme once employed for at least 60 days. The catch is “period of employment” — counted in calendar days, including holidays, based on the employment relationship, not days or hours actually worked. Keung worked only three days a week, about 20-plus days in two months, but in calendar terms he had been employed over 60 days, so enrolment was mandatory.

How do contributions work?

Normally both employer and employee contribute, but employees earning below the minimum relevant income level (HK$5,000 at the time, rising to HK$6,500 from 1 November 2011) need not contribute — the employer still must.

Any exceptions?

Yes: casual employees in construction and catering. These two industries have dedicated Industry Schemes — even one day of employment triggers mandatory enrolment and contributions.

Part-timers should also watch their rights: confirm the employer contributes correctly and on time, via contribution records or the MPFA’s contribution hotline 183 3030. For more on employee rights, see the MPF education hub.