Hong Kong has yet to publish a legislative timetable for protecting delivery workers, even as other Asian governments move to regulate the fast-growing platform economy and expand labour protections for couriers.
On Labour Day this month, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Chris Sun Yuk-han, joined a district visit and took part in food deliveries for a day, saying the experience gave him a better understanding of the pressures facing couriers.
But labour groups say the government has still not outlined concrete plans to address the long-running concerns of delivery workers, many of whom operate in high-risk conditions without guaranteed income, employment benefits or compensation protection.
The criticism comes as Taiwan prepares to roll out new legislation this year specifically aimed at delivery workers, one of several recent moves across Asia to regulate platform-based labour.
Taiwan introduces dedicated delivery worker law
Taiwan’s legislature approved the Delivery Workers’ Rights Protection and Platform Management Act earlier this year, the island’s first law dedicated to food delivery platforms.
The legislation does not formally classify couriers as employees, but places direct legal obligations on platform companies.
Under the new law, platforms must disclose payment details and delivery information before an order is accepted. Each completed order must pay at least NT$45(£1.07), while workers’ overall earnings must not fall below 1.25 times Taiwan’s minimum wage once calculated across working time. Taiwan’s minimum monthly wage for 2026 is NT$29,500 (about £700).
Platform operators are also required to keep full payment records and settle wages regularly.
The law includes mandatory group accident and liability insurance, meaning couriers who are not insured will not be allowed to log in and accept orders.
It also introduces a right to disconnect, preventing platforms from penalising workers for declining jobs or logging off.
A formal complaints system will also be introduced, allowing couriers to challenge payment calculations or delayed payments. Complaints must be reviewed by an independent panel including trade union representation.
The law is expected to take effect within six months of presidential promulgation, with fines of up to NT$500,000 (about £11,900) for breaches.
Taiwanese unions welcomed the legislation but said some protections had been weakened during the drafting process. Earlier proposals reportedly included distance-based mileage payments alongside minimum earnings guarantees, but those provisions were removed from the final version.
Asian governments expand protections
Taiwan’s move reflects a broader trend across Asia as governments respond to the rapid growth of gig and platform work.
Singapore passed its Platform Workers Act in 2024, introducing a legal category between employee and self-employed worker. The law requires platforms to contribute to pension savings and provide injury compensation protections for delivery riders and ride-hailing drivers.
Malaysia passed a Gig Workers Bill in 2025, bringing platform workers into the national social insurance system and establishing a dedicated dispute mechanism.
South Korea has expanded industrial injury and unemployment insurance coverage for delivery workers and formally recognised their right to organise and bargain collectively.
Japan has also tightened regulation through new freelancer legislation, covering contract terms and payment arrangements, while recognising delivery workers as protected under trade union law.
Together, the reforms suggest a growing regional consensus that platform work can remain flexible while still being subject to minimum labour protections.
Hong Kong’s proposals remain limited
That means many workers are not covered by the Employment Ordinance, statutory minimum wage protections or the city’s employee compensation system.
Labour groups have been pressing for reform for several years. In his Policy Address last September, Chief Executive John Lee said the government would introduce proposals this year to improve work injury compensation for platform workers.
No detailed legislative proposal or timetable has since been published.
Officials have indicated the initial focus will be on workplace injury compensation for food delivery and logistics platform workers.
But labour advocates say broader issues, including income transparency, appeals mechanisms and collective bargaining rights remain unaddressed.
For many couriers, the debate has become increasingly urgent as food delivery platforms continue to expand and competition intensifies.
Delivery riders remain a familiar sight on Hong Kong’s streets, often travelling long hours and navigating traffic under pressure.
Across much of Asia, governments have begun introducing legal frameworks to reflect those risks.
Hong Kong has promised action, but for now, the city remains behind several of its regional neighbours.