President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih has decided to make the six month maternity leave available for all political staff as well.

The regulation for political staff appointed by the President noted that, upon submitting a medical certificate with an estimated date of delivery, a six months paid maternity leave will be granted beginning from the date determined in the medical certificate.

It added that if the employee gives birth to a stillborn child after 27 weeks, a 60 day paid leave will be granted in accordance to the employment laws.

A 30 day paid leave will also be granted if the employee is sickly during the days leading up to the delivery, that will not be counted as part of the six month maternity leave.

A 30 day paid paternity leave will also be granted to new fathers, starting the day of delivery.