MINSK, 2 December (BelTA) – Reduction of the maternity leave period is still under discussion, Belarusian Prime Minister Roman Golovchenko said at the House of Representatives' meeting as he answered questions of the MPs about the government program of action until 2025 on 2 December, BelTA has learned.
This matter was raised by MP Igor Marzalyuk on behalf of his female voters. “They are very concerned about the possibility of reducing the three-year maternity leave period. They ask everyone interested not to worry about their career opportunities, they want to give birth to children and stay at home till their children turn three years,” the MP said.
“The reduction of the maternity leave period or any other amendments to maternity leave are still under discussion; various options are considered. A final decision will be made after a comprehensive study and discussion of the matter, primarily with the MPs,” Roman Golovchenko said.
The prime minister drew attention to the fact that Belarus offers one of the biggest sets of maternity and child benefits. One of the options is to leave the three-year maternity leave period, but to pay benefits for only two years. He did not rule out a possibility that the three-year maternity leave will be replaced by some other type of benefits.
Labor and Social Security Minister Irina Kostevich added that the possibility of reducing maternity leave will be broadly discussed in the regions at dialogue platforms in December-January. The first meeting on this matter is to take place in Smolevichi on 11 December.
