Maternity leave policies vary greatly across Asia, with some countries offering generous paid leave while others provide shorter recovery periods for new mothers. From six months off in Vietnam to just a few weeks in some places, these policies reflect how different governments and employers support working mothers during pregnancy and early parenthood.
Here's a look at maternity leave policies across Asia and who pays for them.
1. Japan
Japan offers mothers 14 weeks of maternity leave, including six weeks before childbirth and eight weeks after delivery. During this period, mothers receive partial salary coverage.
Paid by: Governments health insurance system and employment insurance.
2. Vietnam
Vietnam has one of the most generous maternity leave policies in Asia, offering mothers six months of paid maternity leave.
Paid by: Social Insurance Authority.
3. India
In India, mothers are entitled to 26 weeks of paid maternity leave for their first two children, making it one of the longest maternity leave periods globally.
Paid by: Employers.
4. Singapore
Singaporean citizens are entitled to 16 weeks of paid maternity leave, while non-citizens receive 12 weeks.
Paid by: Government and employers.
5. Hong Kong
Hong Kong provides mothers with 14 weeks of maternity leave under employment laws.
Paid by: Employers, with partial government reimbursement.
6. China
China offers a minimum of 98 days of paid maternity leave, although some provinces extend this benefit up to 188 days.
Paid by: Employers or insurance schemes.
7. Thailand
Thailand grants mothers 120 days of maternity leave, combining employer and government support for salary payments.
Paid by: Employers and government.
8. Indonesia
Indonesia provides mothers with three months of maternity leave to recover and care for their newborns.
Paid by: Employers.
9. Sri Lanka
Sri Lankan mothers receive 84 days of maternity leave under labour laws.
Paid by: Employers.
10. Bangladesh
Bangladesh offers 112 days of fully paid maternity leave for working mothers.
Paid by: Employers.
11. Cambodia
Cambodia grants mothers 90 days of maternity leave, although employees receive only half pay during this period.
Paid by: Employers.
12. South Korea
South Korea provides 90 days of maternity leave, which increases to 120 days for multiple births such as twins or triplets.
Paid by: Employers with government support.
13. Taiwan
Taiwan offers mothers eight weeks of maternity leave after childbirth.
Paid by: Employers.
14. Philippines
In the Philippines, mothers receive 105 days of paid maternity leave, with the option to extend leave further if needed.
Paid by: Social Security System or government agencies.
15. Malaysia
Malaysia currently provides 98 days of maternity leave for working mothers under labour law amendments introduced in recent years.
Paid by: Employers.
Across Asia, maternity leave policies continue to evolve as countries recognise the importance of supporting mothers and families. While some nations provide extended paid leave backed by government schemes, others still rely heavily on employers to shoulder the cost.
