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Relieving Letter
I need a relieving letter for an employee who has completed their notice period and fulfilled all handover responsibilities. The letter should confirm their last working day, acknowledge their contributions, and wish them success in future endeavors.
What is a Relieving Letter?
A Relieving Letter is an official document employers provide when staff members end their employment in Hong Kong. It confirms the person's last working day and states they've completed all handover duties and settlements with the company. Most local employers require this letter before hiring, making it an essential part of job transitions.
Beyond serving as proof of proper employment termination, the letter helps protect both parties' interests under Hong Kong's Employment Ordinance. It typically includes details about the employee's role, conduct, and length of service. Many organizations in finance, technology, and professional services consider it a standard part of their offboarding process.
When should you use a Relieving Letter?
Use a Relieving Letter when an employee leaves your Hong Kong organization, especially if they're moving to another job in the local market. This document becomes crucial during the final payroll processing, ensuring all dues are settled and company property is returned. Many Hong Kong employers need to see a candidate's Relieving Letter from their previous job before finalizing a new hire.
The letter proves particularly valuable during employment disputes or reference checks. It helps protect your organization from future claims by documenting the exact termination date and confirming all obligations were met. Banks, multinational corporations, and government agencies often require it as part of their standard hiring documentation.
What are the different types of Relieving Letter?
- Basic Clearance Letter: States employment dates, position held, and confirms all dues are settled - commonly used across most industries
- Detailed Performance Letter: Includes conduct assessment and job responsibilities alongside standard clearance details - preferred by financial institutions
- Project Completion Letter: Specifically addresses project-based employment terms and deliverables - popular in IT and construction sectors
- Multinational Format: Contains additional compliance elements for international transfers - used by global corporations
- Simplified Exit Letter: Focuses only on essential employment dates and clearance status - common in small businesses
Who should typically use a Relieving Letter?
- HR Managers: Draft and issue Relieving Letters, maintain compliance with employment regulations, and manage the exit process
- Department Heads: Verify project completion and handover status before letter issuance
- Departing Employees: Request and receive the letter as proof of proper employment termination
- Future Employers: Request and review letters during recruitment to confirm clean exits from previous roles
- Legal Teams: Review letter content to ensure compliance with Hong Kong employment laws and protect company interests
- Company Directors: Sign letters for senior staff departures and maintain corporate governance standards
How do you write a Relieving Letter?
- Employee Details: Gather full name, employee ID, position held, and exact dates of employment
- Exit Checklist: Confirm all company property returned, access revoked, and pending tasks completed
- Financial Settlement: Verify final salary, bonuses, and any outstanding payments or deductions
- Performance Summary: Include brief conduct assessment and key achievements if requested
- Compliance Check: Ensure letter follows Hong Kong employment law requirements
- Signature Authority: Obtain approval from authorized department head or HR director
- Document Format: Use company letterhead and maintain standard formatting for professional appearance
What should be included in a Relieving Letter?
- Company Details: Full registered name, address, and business registration number on letterhead
- Employee Information: Legal name, HKID number (masked), position title, and department
- Employment Period: Precise start and end dates of employment relationship
- Clearance Statement: Confirmation that all company assets are returned and dues settled
- Non-Compete Reference: Reminder of any existing post-employment obligations
- Authorization: Signature from HR head or authorized representative with company stamp
- Data Protection: Statement on handling of personal information under PDPO requirements
- Issue Date: Current date when the letter is generated and signed
What's the difference between a Relieving Letter and an Experience Letter?
A Relieving Letter differs significantly from an Experience Letter, though both relate to employment documentation in Hong Kong. While both documents confirm past employment, their purposes and timing vary considerably.
- Timing of Issue: Relieving Letters are provided at employment termination, while Experience Letters can be issued during or after employment
- Primary Purpose: Relieving Letters focus on confirming proper exit procedures and settlements, while Experience Letters detail job responsibilities and achievements
- Legal Requirements: Relieving Letters are often mandatory for new employment in Hong Kong, whereas Experience Letters are optional references
- Content Scope: Relieving Letters include clearance status and final settlements, while Experience Letters focus on skills and performance details
- Usage Context: Relieving Letters serve as immediate transition documents, while Experience Letters support long-term career development
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