Maternity, Paternity, and Parental Leave

What is Parental Leave?

Parental leave refers to time off work granted to parents for the birth or adoption of a child. This encompasses maternity leave (for mothers), paternity leave (for fathers), and parental leave (which may be available to either parent). These leaves are typically a combination of statutory entitlements and company policies.

Maternity Leave

What is Maternity Leave?

Paid or unpaid time off work for mothers before and after childbirth, allowing for recovery, bonding with the newborn, and establishing caregiving routines.

Key Components

• Pre-natal leave: Time off before birth (varies by country)
• Post-natal leave: Time off after birth (majority of leave)
• Paid vs. unpaid: Varies by country and employer
• Job protection: Right to return to same or equivalent position
• Benefits continuation: Health insurance and other benefits maintained

Maternity Leave Across APAC

Singapore

• 16 weeks paid leave (increased from 12 weeks)
• First 8 weeks: employer pays
• Second 8 weeks: government-reimbursed
• Must have worked 3 months before birth
• Multiple births: additional 4 weeks

Australia

• 18 weeks government-funded Parental Leave Pay (minimum wage)
• Employer may provide additional (not mandatory)
• Dad and Partner Pay: 2 weeks
• Flexible use over 2 years
• Unpaid leave up to 12 months

Hong Kong

• 14 weeks paid leave (increased from 10 weeks)
• 80% of salary (subject to cap)
• Must have 40 weeks employment
• Medical certificate required
• Job protection guaranteed

Japan

• 14 weeks leave
• 6 weeks before, 8 weeks after birth
• 67% of salary (from employment insurance)
• Can extend with child care leave
• Strong job protections

India

• 26 weeks paid leave (first two children)
• 12 weeks for subsequent children
• Applies to establishments with 10+ employees
• Employer pays
• Nursing breaks post-return

Malaysia

• 98 days (14 weeks) paid leave for private sector
• 90 days for public sector
• Employer pays
• Applies to establishments covered by Employment Act
• Must have worked 90 days prior

South Korea

• 90 days paid leave
• 45 days must be after birth
• First 60 days: employer pays
• Remaining 30 days: employment insurance
• Additional unpaid leave available

Thailand

• 98 days paid leave (increased from 90 days)
• 45 days full pay from employer
• Remaining from Social Security Fund
• Must have 180 days contributions
• Job protection

Philippines

• 105 days paid leave (increased from 60 days)
• 100% of average daily salary
• Paid by Social Security System (SSS)
• Additional 15 days for solo mothers
• Must have 3 months contributions

Vietnam

• 6 months paid leave
• Social insurance pays
• Must have 6 months contributions
• Can take early (1 month before due date)
• Job protection guaranteed

Indonesia

• 3 months paid leave
• 1.5 months before, 1.5 months after birth
• Employer pays full salary
• Extended for complications
• Nursing rights post-return

Taiwan

• 8 weeks paid leave
• 100% salary (2 months average)
• Government labor insurance may supplement
• Can take anytime 5 weeks before to after birth
• Job protection

China

• 98 days minimum (national standard)
• Provinces often extend (128-190 days)
• Maternity insurance fund pays
• Extended for complications or multiple births
• Job and benefits protected

Paternity Leave

What is Paternity Leave?

Time off work for fathers/partners around the birth or adoption of a child to support the family and bond with the newborn.

Paternity Leave Across APAC

Singapore

• 2 weeks paid paternity leave (government-reimbursed)
• Can take within 12 months of birth
• 4 weeks for shared parental leave available
• Must be married to child's mother
• Must have worked 3 months

Australia

• 2 weeks government Dad and Partner Pay
• Employer may provide additional (not mandatory)
• Can access parental leave pay if primary carer

Hong Kong

• 5 days paid paternity leave (increased from 3 days)
• 80% of average daily wages
• Must have 40 weeks employment
• Within first 12 weeks after birth

Japan

• Up to 4 weeks within 8 weeks of birth ("Papa Quota")
• 67% of salary from employment insurance
• In addition to child care leave
• Low take-up despite availability

India

• No statutory paternity leave at national level
• Some states have provisions (typically 15 days)
• Some companies offer through policy
• Maternity Benefit Act only covers mothers

Malaysia

• 3-7 days typically (not statutory)
• Some employers provide through policy
• Public sector: 7 days
• No federal legal requirement

South Korea

• 10 days paid paternity leave
• Employment insurance pays
• Can take within 90 days of birth
• Additional unpaid leave available

Thailand

• No statutory paternity leave
• Some companies offer through policy
• Can use sick or annual leave
• No legal requirement for paid leave

Philippines

• 7 days paid paternity leave
• For first four children only
• Employer pays
• Must be legally married

Vietnam

• 5-14 days depending on circumstances
• Normal birth: 5 days
• Complicated birth: 7 days
• Twins: 10 days, plus 3 days per additional child
• Social insurance pays

Indonesia

• 2 days paternity leave
• Employer pays
• For birth of child only
• Must provide marriage certificate

Taiwan

• 5 days paid paternity leave
• Full salary paid by employer
• Can take within 3 months of birth
• Additional 2 days for military personnel

China

• No national paternity leave
• Provinces vary (7-30 days typically)
• Employer pays
• Local regulations determine eligibility

Parental Leave

What is Parental Leave?

Extended leave available to either parent beyond initial maternity/paternity leave, typically for child care purposes during early childhood.

Parental Leave Across APAC

Singapore

• 4 weeks shared parental leave (government-paid)
• 6 days unpaid infant care leave per year
• Extended child care leave available

Australia

• Up to 12 months unpaid parental leave
• Can be shared between parents
• Right to request additional 12 months
• Job protection during leave

Japan

• Child care leave until child is 1 year old
• 67% of salary for first 6 months
• 50% for remaining period
• Can extend to 1.5 years in some cases

South Korea

• Child care leave until child is 8 years old
• 80% of salary for first 3 months
• 40% for next 9 months
• Can be shared between parents

Other APAC Countries

• Most countries provide some form of child care leave
• Duration and payment vary significantly
• Often unpaid or partially paid
• Job protection typically included

Key Considerations for Employers

Compliance Requirements

• Understand statutory minimums in each country
• Track legislative changes across jurisdictions
• Ensure proper documentation and processes
• Maintain benefits during leave periods

Best Practices

• Develop clear parental leave policies
• Train managers on handling leave requests
• Support smooth transitions and returns
• Foster inclusive workplace culture
• Consider offering benefits beyond legal minimums

AYP's Approach to Parental Leave

• Local expertise on statutory requirements across APAC
• Compliant policy implementation
• Seamless leave management for global teams
• Ongoing compliance monitoring
• Support for both employers and employees

‍