Cabinet extends maternity leave to foster work-life balance

In a move aimed at supporting new mothers and promoting work-life balance, Cyprus’ Council of Ministers has given the green light to an increase in maternity leave. Labour and Social Insurance Minister Yiannis Panayiotou announced the approval, stating that the leave duration for first-time mothers will be extended from 18 to 22 weeks. This decision is expected to benefit approximately 5,000 new working mothers annually.

Panayiotou confirmed that an actuarial study affirmed the financial feasibility of the extended maternity leave within the capabilities of the Social Insurance Fund. The proposed bill will now be presented to the House of Representatives for legislative consideration. If passed, it will directly impact thousands of new working mothers in Cyprus.

Key provisions of the bill include an increase in maternity leave from 18 to 22 weeks for the first child through birth or surrogacy. For those adopting their first child, the maternity leave will be extended from 16 to 20 weeks. Additionally, the bill addresses the duration of additional maternity leave due to infant hospitalization after birth, increasing it from 6 to 8 weeks.

Minister Panayiotou emphasized that the extension of maternity leave is expected to significantly contribute to the enhancement of work and family life reconciliation. The move aims to allow new working mothers to spend an extended period with their infants during the crucial initial months of their lives.

[Information from CNA]