A RETHINK has been urged on a draft law that seeks to extend paid maternity leave for female workers in the private sector from 60 days to 70, while maintaining an additional 15 days of unpaid leave.
In a memo sent to Parliament, the government raised concerns over the proposed amendment to the 2012 Private Sector Employment Law.
It said workers’ rights need to be balanced with employers’ interests and economic realities, adding that the proposed extension would impose additional costs on private sector employers – particularly small and medium-sized businesses – without offering commensurate economic benefits or justifications.
The change would also disrupt efforts to unify employment benefits across public and private sectors; currently, both sectors offer 60 days of paid maternity leave.
Creating disparities could hinder labour mobility, weaken equality in the workplace, and discourage the employment of women in the private sector, as some employers may avoid hiring female workers due to perceived additional costs and operational challenges.
Existing legislation already provides female workers with 60 days of paid maternity leave plus 15 days of unpaid leave, along with protections such as job security during maternity leave and paid baby care breaks.
“Increasing maternity leave without an accompanying support mechanism for businesses could have unintended consequences,” the memo stated, adding that any changes should be backed by further technical and financial analysis.
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