Increasing maternity and annual leave is on agenda, gov’t pledges

The government has announced plans to increase maternity leave and annual holidays, with these changes expected to be implemented this year.

Secretary for Economy and Finance Anton Tai Kin Ip stated yesterday: “We have established a timetable for implementing increases to maternity leave and annual holidays. This year, we aim to conduct research to accelerate progress in line with the government’s overall Policy Address. Our focus will be on understanding citizens’ demands for improved labor rights and comparing the capacities of local small and medium-sized enterprises with those in other regions.”

He emphasized that the unpredictable nature of the international situation requires ongoing observation and thorough analysis for effective planning.

“The key priority is to focus on the capacities of local businesses, particularly small- and medium-sized enterprises,” he said.

The Secretary pledged during yesterday’s Legislative Assembly (AL) Q&A session that the government will actively engage with legislators and all sectors of society, conduct a thorough assessment, and craft plans that reflect their insights and needs.

In line with the amendments to the Labor Relations Law in 2020, female employees in Macau are now entitled to 70 days of paid maternity leave. Employers who have provided or will provide eligible female employees with 70 days of leave between March 26, 2023, and December 31 this year, may apply for government subsidies. The maximum subsidy amount will be equivalent to 14 days of the employee’s basic salary.

As a supplement, Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) director Chan Un Tong reported that from the launch of the scheme on October 29 last year to last month, the bureau received 76 applications for subsidies for 14 days of maternity leave. Of these, 48 were approved, resulting in a total disbursement of MOP440,000.

He also announced that public consultations on increasing annual and maternity leave would be conducted promptly, seeking input from both employers and employees through the Standing Committee for the Coordination of Social Affairs.

Additionally, research will be undertaken to assess the sustainability of maternity leave subsidies.