New bill aims to support working mothers with more time for childcare and breastfeeding
A new law proposal aiming to extend daily breastfeeding or childcare leave for working mothers is approaching final approval by the Cypriot Parliament’s Labour Committee.
The bill, submitted by DISY MP Savvia Orphanidou, proposes amendments to the Maternity Protection Law to extend the period during which a new mother is allowed to interrupt her work by one hour daily- either by arriving late or leaving early- for nine to twelve months following childbirth, or from the start of maternity leave in cases of adoption.
The final decision by the Labour Committee is expected on Tuesday, 29 April, with the bill likely moving to a full parliamentary vote soon afterward. The proposal was first discussed during a committee meeting on 4 March 2025.
Speaking to Economy Today, Ms Orphanidou explained that the bill responds directly to mothers’ requests for a longer allowance. “This additional time is both practically helpful and emotionally meaningful for mothers,” she said. “Those extra three months can make a real difference — not just for the mother, but for the infant as well.”
If passed, the updated policy will mark another step forward in supporting working families, maternal health, and early childhood care, reinforcing Cyprus’s commitment to family-centred employment policies.
