An amendment to the Employment Act has been proposed to extend the period of free time granted to employees to care for their children after returning from maternity leave.

Under the current law, employees are entitled to two unpaid 30-minute breaks per day until their child turns one. The proposed amendment would extend this benefit until the child reaches two years of age.

The bill, submitted by Madaveli MP Mohamed Shameez on behalf of the government, also proposes changes to dismissal notice periods. At present, employees who have worked between six months and one year are entitled to two weeks’ notice. The amendment would require that all employees who have completed at least one year of service be given a minimum of two weeks’ notice. However, employers and employees may agree to a shorter or longer notice period.

In addition, the bill would grant the cabinet authority to offer exemptions or adjustments to expatriate quota fees for certain businesses. These incentives are intended to support small and medium-sized enterprises, encourage new businesses, and promote competition