Maternity Leave

Maternity leave refers to the statutory period of time during which an employed woman is legally entitled to be absent from her work due to pregnancy, childbirth, and the subsequent care of her newborn child. In Cyprus, this leave is a fundamental right designed to protect the health of the mother and child, ensure job security, and facilitate the integration of mothers back into the workforce. The duration and conditions of maternity leave are precisely defined by the Protection of Maternity Law, as amended, and are complemented by social insurance provisions for financial support during this period. It is a non-discretionary entitlement that safeguards the employment relationship during a critical life event for women.

Maternity leave, as defined and amended by the Labour Protection Act (No. 7) B.E. 2562 (2019), is a statutory right for pregnant female employees to take time off from work for pregnancy-related medical appointments, childbirth, and recovery. The amendment increased the total duration of maternity leave from 90 days to a maximum of 98 days per pregnancy. This period includes both prenatal check-ups and postnatal recovery. During this leave, the employer is obligated to pay the employee wages for a period not exceeding 45 days, while the Social Security Office typically covers additional days, ensuring financial support for new mothers during this critical period. This enhancement reflects an effort to align with international labor standards and provide greater support for working mothers.