In a significant move to support working mothers, the government has introduced an amendment to the Employment Act that would extend childcare time for female employees until their child reaches two years of age.
The amendment, proposed by Madaveli MP Mohamed Shameez on behalf of the government, seeks to amend existing provisions that currently grant female employees two 30-minute breaks per day—totaling one hour—for childcare, but only for one year following maternity leave.
Under the proposed changes, this benefit would now be extended to two full years after the employee returns to work. These breaks will be fully paid and in addition to the existing one-hour breastfeeding or childcare break already mandated by law, significantly enhancing workplace support for new mothers.
The amendment underscores the government's commitment to promoting gender equality, improving work-life balance, and ensuring infant well-being during critical early development stages.
Additionally, the proposed revisions include changes to employee termination notice periods—requiring two weeks’ notice for employees with up to one year of service—and granting the Cabinet authority to exempt certain businesses from foreign worker quota fees. This exemption aims to boost small and medium enterprises (SMEs), encourage innovation, and stimulate market competition by easing restrictions on foreign labour in strategic sectors.
The bill is currently under parliamentary review.