Navigating maternity leave in Singapore can be complex, especially understanding the nuances of unpaid leave. This article clarifies your rights, eligibility, and what to expect.

Eligibility for Maternity Leave in Singapore

To be eligible for maternity leave, you must have worked for your employer for at least 3 continuous months before your child's birth.ⓘ
To qualify for maternity leave in Singapore, you must have worked for your employer or been self-employed for at least 3 continuous months before your child's birth. While this is generally true, there are nuances related to payment and employer agreement. If the continuous service requirement isn't met but other criteria are fulfilled, with employer agreement, the government may reimburse the employer for the government-paid portion. This policy applies equally to married and single mothers, including those on probation.
This applies to both paid and unpaid leave. Self-employed individuals must have been engaged in their business for at least 3 continuous months and experienced income loss during the leave period.

Duration of Maternity Leave

• Singapore Citizen Child: 16 weeks. The first 8 weeks are paid by your employer, and the last 8 weeks are reimbursed by the government.
• Non-Singapore Citizen Child: 12 weeks. The first 8 weeks are paid by your employer. The remaining 4 weeks may be unpaid, depending on your employment contract.ⓘ
  The remaining 4 weeks of maternity leave for a non-Singapore citizen child are typically unpaid unless the employment contract specifies otherwise.
  

Unpaid Maternity Leave Explained

Unpaid maternity leave primarily applies to the last 4 weeks of the 12-week leave for mothers of non-Singapore citizen children. There's no provision for additional unpaid leave beyond the statutory 12 or 16 weeks, though employers can offer more generous policies.

Paid vs. Unpaid Maternity Leave

Paid Maternity Leave

• Eligibility: Continuous employment for at least 3 months before the birth.
• Duration & Payment: 16 weeks (Singapore citizen child) or 12 weeks (non-Singapore citizen child) with employer-paid and government-reimbursed components as described above.
• Notice: At least one week's notice (increasing to four weeks from April 1, 2025 for Government-Paid Maternity Leave).ⓘ
  Currently, employers must be given at least one week's notice before an employee takes Government-Paid Maternity Leave. However, from 1 April 2025, this notice period will increase to at least four weeks to allow employers more time to adapt to manpower needs.
  

Unpaid Maternity Leave

• Eligibility: Primarily applies if you haven't worked for your employer for at least 3 months before the birth.
• Duration: 12 weeks (regardless of child's nationality).
• Conditions: Even though unpaid, your employer cannot dismiss you. The leave can begin up to 4 weeks before your expected delivery date.

Your Rights and Protections During Maternity Leave

Crucially, your employer cannot dismiss you during maternity leave. Dismissal before maternity leave is only permissible for reasons like redundancy, poor performance, or misconduct – not because of your pregnancy. You must have worked for at least three months before the notice of termination and provide a doctor's certificate confirming your pregnancy.

You are required to provide at least one week’s notice (increasing to four weeks from April 1, 2025 for Government-Paid Maternity Leave) before commencing maternity leave. Failure to do so might reduce your payment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can my employer deny my request for unpaid maternity leave?

No, an employer cannot deny maternity leave if you meet the eligibility criteria. However, if you haven't worked for at least 3 months, the leave will be unpaid.

Will taking unpaid maternity leave affect my employment benefits or annual leave?

No. Your employment benefits (medical, insurance, etc.) continue, and your annual leave entitlement remains unaffected.

Can I extend my unpaid maternity leave?

You can apply for additional paid or unpaid leave according to your company's policies, or discuss flexible work arrangements with your employer. However, there's no statutory extension beyond the initial 12 or 16 weeks.

Am I eligible for unpaid maternity leave if I'm on a work permit or employment pass?

Yes, if you've worked for at least 3 months and are covered under the Employment Act.

What happens to my CPF contributions during unpaid maternity leave?

CPF contributions are made only during the paid portions of your maternity leave.ⓘ
CPF contributions are made during paid portions of maternity leave, including both employer-paid and government-reimbursed segments. Employers can reclaim CPF contributions from the government for the last 8 weeks of maternity pay for the first and second child, and for the entire 16 weeks for the third and subsequent children under the government-paid maternity leave scheme.

Can I work part-time or from home during unpaid maternity leave?

No, maternity leave is intended to be a continuous period for recovery and childcare.

Conclusion

Understanding your rights regarding maternity leave in Singapore is vital. This guide provides a comprehensive overview, but always consult the Ministry of Manpower’s guidelines for the most up-to-date information and specific details applicable to your situation.