A new law before Parliament for enactment has extended the period of maternity leave for all workers from 12 to 14 weeks from its previous period of 6 to 9 weeks.

The new Employment Act 2022 was tabled before Parliament by the Minister of Employment Labour and Social Security, Mohamed Rahman Swaray to replace the current and obsolete labour laws in the country.

This law aims to modernize the country’s labor laws and bring them in line with international standards.

Minister Swaray highlighted that many existing laws are outdated and fail to meet current needs. Replacing them with “friendly and realistic” legislation will have a positive impact on the entire workforce.

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The Minister also noted that some of the current national labour laws are in contravention of international standards and practices, adding that the new law will positively impact the general workforce in the country.

He added that the law will help address lots of labour problems including human rights, the Minister said, while he informed the legislative body that most workers do not have standard working conditions and that the new Bill would ameliorate such problems.

This law has helped to bridge the human rights gap some women face whenever they are in pregnancy or are lactating mothers; noting that the extension of the leave period will give women more time to take care of their young babies.

Meanwhile, many civil society and human rights organizations have welcomed the new labour law, saying it will improve on employers and employees’ relationship, and also bring dignity to all workers nationwide, be it local or foreign.