Parents who have spent at least three months on maternity or paternity leave will soon be entitled to extend the total to 18 months instead of the current 12 months. 

The labor ministry issued a public notice on Wednesday announcing the change, along with other revisions to lower statutes, effective February 23, 2025.

A package of three bills aimed at supporting families with children were enacted after passing in parliament in September.
 
The current 90-day leave before and after childbirth will be extended to 100 days for premature babies who require treatment in neonatal intensive care units.

Reduced work hours during pregnancy, which currently apply only before the 12th week and after the 36th week, will apply through the entire pregnancy for women at high risk.

Women who experience a miscarriage or stillbirth will be able to take ten days of leave instead of the current five.