New Legislative Package on paternity leave in Malta

With the transposition of Directive (EU) 2019/1158 on work-life balance for parents and carers, as from the 2nd August 2022, fathers and equivalent second parents will be able to take 10 days of paternity leave which must be utilised within the first 15 days of the baby’s birth or adoption. The leave will be remunerated at full pay. The Directive was transposed into Maltese law by way of Legal Notice 201 "Work-Life Balance for Parents and Carers Regulations". 

Eligibility for this leave is not subject to the period of work or length of service undertaken. In addition, while each parent is still entitled to four months’ parental leave, two months are now to be paid and can be transferred to the other parent. In case of a change of company, the employee can carry over any unused part of the parental leave. Another major change brought about by the new regulation is the creation of a Carer’s leave entitlement. Employees who have relatives or people living in their homes who need care and support are entitled to five working days of unpaid leave per year. They can also ask their employer for flexible working conditions (teleworking, flexible hours and reduced working hours).