André Cheong, spokesman for the Executive Council and Secretary for Administration and Justice, said at a press conference at the government headquarters on Wednesday that this amendment aims to support pro-natalist policies and continue promoting harmonious labor-management relations. Eligible employers who pay their qualified local female employees during their maternity leave before December 31st, 2026, can apply to the Labour Affairs Bureau for a subsidy, with the maximum amount being 14 days of the employee’s basic pay.
Chan Un Tong, director of the Labour Affairs Bureau, noted that this extension primarily targets companies with fewer than 100 employees. He added that the current application requirements and subsidy amount remain unchanged. He also revealed that the bureau has commissioned a third-party organization to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the maternity leave system, including the number of maternity leave days and the long-term feasibility of the subsidy program. A public consultation is expected to begin next year, followed by the initiation of legislative procedures. Future adjustments will be made in accordance with the socioeconomic situation.
Since its launch, the subsidy program has effectively reduced the burden on employers while protecting the labor rights of female employees. The government stated that it will continue to closely monitor the implementation of the measure to ensure it achieves its intended benefits.
