Currently, Hong Kong laws do not explicitly require employers to provide funeral leave, and employees can only take paid/unpaid leave to attend to funerals.
 While some companies voluntarily provide funeral leave, the application procedures are complicated, such as requiring employees to provide family death certificates or list the cause of death of family members, which is nothing more than rubbing salt in employees' wounds. In fact, bereavement leave is a fundamental right of employees and there is no legal protection, which can have a negative impact on working caregivers, among others:

  Economic burden
 Family caregivers may need to take paid or unpaid leave to cope with the loss of a family member. This can put a strain on their finances, especially if they have to take extended leave.

  Work pressure
 Family caregivers may feel pressured at work to remain productive while coping with their grief. If they are unable to take time off or schedule flexible working hours, this can have a negative impact on their performance and increase stress.

  Balancing work and family life
 Part-time caregivers have to make difficult decisions between fulfilling family and work responsibilities, which can lead to stress and anxiety.

  Psychological effects
 The lack of understanding or compassion from the company can have a negative impact on the mental health of working carers. Emotional and psychological stress can have a long-term negative impact on their well-being and stress levels.

 It shows that the lack of legal provisions on funeral leave can have a negative impact on the financial, professional and family balance as well as the mental health of working caregivers. Funeral leave should be a fundamental right of employees, and especially when the law is not yet perfect, companies should be more understanding and supportive of their employees.