Paternity Leave: Labour Act amendment to be promulgated this year

The draft Labour Bill, 2024 sponsored by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and currently under consultation, will be passed this year.

When passed, the law will among others introduce Paternity leave.

Finance Minister Dr. Mohammed Amin Adam announced this during his mid-year budget review presentation to Parliament on Tuesday, July 23.

He noted that the bill has been crafted to enhance labor administration and regulate the work environment.

Among the proposed reforms are the introduction of paternity leave, extension of maternity leave, and improvements in labor migration governance and employment coordination.

"The Labour Law is expected to be promulgated before the end of the year," Dr. Adam said.

Per the draft bill, male employees will be eligible for paternity leave within three months of their wife's or surrogate's childbirth, or after adopting a child under one year old.

However, to be eligible, employees must provide proof of birth or adoption to their employers.

 Upon approval, the employer must grant at least five days of paternity leave, starting from the specified date in the application. 

However, employees cannot receive more than one paternity leave within 24 months.

Further, upon presenting a medical certificate indicating their expected delivery date, female workers will be entitled to at least 14 weeks of maternity leave, in addition to any annual leave entitlement.

This period can be extended by at least two additional weeks in complicated or multiple births cases. 

Furthermore, female workers will receive full pay and benefits during maternity leave and are protected from dismissal due to their maternity-related absence.