Maternity and Work

This page was last updated on: 2023-05-19

Maternity Leave

Female workers are entitled to 12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave with full pay. Pregnant worker has to provide medical certificate issued by a medical practitioner or mid- wife, indicating the expected date of her confinement.

The maternity leave can be extended by two additional (2) weeks in case of caesarean delivery/abnormal birth or twin (or more) births. Extended leave are granted in case of illness due to pregnancy or confinement, certified by the medical practitioner. Maximum limit of extended leave is not mentioned in the law.

Sources: § 57 (1 & 3-5) of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651)

Income

Workers on maternity leave are entitled to full wages during the eighty four day period. The maternity benefit is paid by the employer. A woman worker on maternity leave is entitled to her full remuneration and other benefits to which she is otherwise entitled.

Sources: § 57(2) of the Labour Act 2003 (Act 651)

Free Medical Care

There is no mention in the Labour Act about the medical care however medical benefits are provided under the National Health Insurance Program. Maternity Care including ante-natal and post-natal care provided under National Health Insurance Regulations as minimum health care benefits.

Sources: § 19(1) of the National Health Insurance Regulations 2004

Regulations on Maternity and Work

  • Labour Act, 2003

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