Health Ministry issues circular on maternity and paternity leave

At a glance

• Health institutions must streamline the process for workers to obtain proof of eligibility for maternity and paternity leave.
• Maternity leave, effective from 19 July 2024, is 98 days long, with up to 14 days available before the expected delivery date.
• Paternity leave is seven days, to be taken within 98 days of the child’s birth, provided the child is born alive.

The Health Ministry have issued a circular which instructs health institutions, particularly those that provide services to pregnant women and childbirth, to streamline the process for workers across all sectors to obtain proof of their eligibility for maternity and paternity leave. 

According to the provisions outlined in the circular, maternity leave allowance, effective from 19 July 2024, is granted for a period of 98 days, which is not limited to a specific number of births. The law permits that up to 14 days of this leave can be taken before the expected delivery date. Paternity leave is granted for a period of seven days, provided that the child is born alive, and the leave is taken within 98 days of the child’s birth.