Gov’t extends maternity leave subsidy to companies for another year

Chan Un Tong

The government has extended the plan until December 31, 2026. Under the plan, companies receive a subsidy to compensate for the absence of workers who have given birth.

The subsidy will continue under the same conditions for another year, providing a financial subsidy of up to 14 days of the worker’s basic salary. The measure also remains limited to companies with fewer than 100 employees.

The government stated that this measure aims to support policies that incentivize births while continuing to promote “harmonious labor relations.”

According to Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) director Chan Un Tong, 113 applications have been received under this subsidy scheme, of which 86 have already been approved and processed. The scheme has involved MOP 810,000 in subsidies allocated to employers so far.

Maternity leave benefits to be addressed next year

When asked by the media about the potential expansion of maternity leave, Chan said that the DSAL is continuing to study the possibility of increasing the benefits related to maternity, adding that the bureau expects the results of these studies will advance into legislative work next year.

“We are continuing to study the matter, and next year we will start legislative procedures based on the results of the studies already completed,” the DSAL director said, without revealing what changes are expected to be proposed.

To address concerns about a very low birthrate in Macau, the government has rolled out a series of measures to encourage childbirth, such as increasing birth subsidies and providing subsidies to companies for the absence of workers due to maternity leave. However, most people view these measures as insufficient and unlikely to change the situation.

Several lawmakers have called for more ambitious measures, such as extending maternity leave, increasing subsidies, and promoting initiatives that help larger families access public housing.