Parliament votes to extend maternity leave by 4 weeks

The Parliament on Friday unanimously ratified government legislation to extend the maternity leave and allowance period to 22 weeks for the first child.

The new regulations take effect immediately upon the law’s publication. This extension also encompasses mothers who are currently on maternity leave.

For the birth of the first child, whether through natural childbirth or via a surrogate, the maternity leave period has been lengthened from 18 to 22 weeks.

Similarly, for those adopting their first child, the leave period has been increased from 16 to 20 weeks.

Moreover, in instances of premature birth, the additional leave has been enhanced from six to eight weeks, providing further support to new mothers during this crucial time.

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Cabinet to review bill extending maternity leave by 4 weeks