Taiwan Extends Paid Leave for Marriage, Childbirth, and Paternity to Boost Birth Rate

Taiwanese parents-to-be will benefit from significantly extended paid leave under a new government strategy to combat the island's low birth rate. President Lai Ching-te unveiled 18 measures on May 27, including longer holidays for marriage, childbirth, and paternity.

Under the "Taiwan Population Policy Strategy, Family Support Chapter," marriage leave will double from 8 to 14 days, aligning with civil servant standards. Maternity leave expands from 8 to 12 weeks for all professions. Paternity leave, including for prenatal check-ups, will also increase from 7 to 14 days. Crucially, the government will subsidize the salaries for the additional days granted.

These changes are part of a broader five-pronged approach addressing family support. Other measures focus on childcare, education, workplace friendliness, and housing affordability. The government hopes these initiatives will encourage more citizens to start families and help navigate the challenges of an aging population and declining birth rates.

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Marriage leave, maternity leave, and paternity leave will all be extended, and the government will subsidize the salaries for the increased days.