Singapore – Increased entitlement to paternity and childcare leave

What are the key changes?

1. Government-paid paternity leave – This leave has increased from two to four weeks on a voluntary basis whereby employers who are prepared to grant the additional paid paternity leave will be reimbursed by the Government. To be eligible, the father must have a child who is: a) born or adopted on or after 1 January 2024; and b) a Singapore citizen.
2. Unpaid infant care leave – This leave has increased from six days to 12 days for each parent in a 12-month period. To be eligible, the parent must have at least three months’ continuous service with their employer and have a child who is: a) under the age of two on or after 1 January 2024; and b) a Singapore citizen.

So, what should employers do now?

Employers should update their internal policies, including any template contracts, in consideration of these changes to leave entitlement. If you need any support with this, or would like any further information, please get in touch with a member of the MDR ONE team.