At a glance
- Mauritius has amended the Workers' Rights Act 2019 (WRA) through the Economic and Financial Measures (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026.
- A new statutory entitlement to one day of paid menstrual leave per month has been introduced for eligible female employees.
- Maternity leave will increase from 16 weeks to 26 weeks on full pay, with an option for an additional 26 weeks on half pay.
- Paternity leave will increase from four weeks to six weeks.
Mauritius has enacted the Economic and Financial Measures (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2026, introducing significant amendments to the WRA aimed at strengthening employee welfare and family-related protections.
A new section 46A establishes a statutory right to one day of menstrual leave on full pay per month for female employees suffering from severe menstruation-related symptoms or disorders. The entitlement applies irrespective of salary level and took effect on 13 August 2026. Any menstrual leave taken during an employee's first six months of employment does not interrupt the continuous period of employment required to qualify for annual leave and sick leave under the WRA. Employers may, at their own expense, require a medical examination where an employee takes menstrual leave.
The amendments also substantially enhance maternity protections. From 1 January 2027, female employees will be entitled to 26 weeks' maternity leave on full pay and may elect to take an additional 26 weeks on half pay. The same entitlement will apply to eligible employees adopting a child under the age of 12 months. The previous entitlement to an additional two weeks' maternity leave for multiple births has been removed.
Paternity leave will similarly be extended from four weeks to six weeks with effect from 1 January 2027.
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