The situation: A foreign female employee is repeatedly subjected to sexual harassment by her manager at a Chinese company and fears reporting it for fear of losing her job.
Applicable law: The Civil Code (2021) in the Book of Personality Rights (Articles 990-1000) explicitly criminalises sexual harassment. The Labor Contract Law allows termination with compensation if harassment is proven. Companies are required (under a 2022 decree) to establish internal complaint mechanisms.
Typical outcome: Filing a complaint with HR or senior management, then with the trade union or labour office. A civil lawsuit may be brought for compensation, potentially ending with a ruling against the harasser and compensation for the victim.
👷 Labour disputes · Awareness case
Workplace Harassment — Legal Protection Under Chinese Law · Yalla China
🤝 Governing law: 劳动合同法 / Labor Contract Law; 民法典 / Civil Code Arts 990-1000 (Personality Rights)
A foreign employee is subjected to sexual harassment or bullying from a supervisor in a Chinese work environment. What legal options are available?
Illustrative, general educational examples — not real specific facts and not legal advice; for awareness only. For an actual situation, consult a licensed lawyer.
🎓 The lesson / takeaway
Lesson: Document every abusive communication with messages and photographs. Do not hesitate to report for fear of retaliation — retaliation against a complainant is prohibited by law and exposes the employer to additional liability.
🕒 Updated: 16 March 2026