Labor ministry expands paternity and miscarriage leave rules

The Ministry of Employment and Labor said it will expand paternity and miscarriage leave benefits under a revised enforcement decree of the Act on Equal Employment and Support for Work-Family Balance. The changes, opened for public comment until Aug. 3, aim to strengthen support for male workers balancing family responsibilities.

Under the new rules, male employees whose spouses suffer a miscarriage or stillbirth will be entitled to five days of leave, with the first three days guaranteed as paid time off. Workers at priority support enterprises will receive wage subsidies for those initial three days.

The ministry also extended the window for using spousal childbirth leave. Previously restricted to the 120 days following delivery, eligible workers may now take this leave starting from 50 days before the expected due date through 120 days after birth. Additionally, men can now apply for childcare leave before their child is born if the pregnant spouse faces risks of miscarriage or premature delivery.

The draft mandates that employees requesting spousal childbirth leave must submit a written document detailing the notice to their employer. The regulations also update penalty standards for violations regarding miscarriage and stillbirth leave. These measures are scheduled to take effect on Sept. 18, 2026.

Stakeholders may submit opinions on the proposal via the National Center for Public Participation in Legislation or by mail and email to the ministry's employment culture improvement division.