New Miscarriage Leave And Parental Bereavement Leave Introduced In Malta

Recent legislative reforms have strengthened employee protections in Malta by introducing dedicated paid leave entitlements for miscarriage and parental bereavement. These measures recognise the physical, emotional and psychological impact of pregnancy loss and the death of a child, while safeguarding employment rights and ensuring confidentiality.

The new Miscarriage Leave Regulations grant seven days of fully paid leave to employees and their partners following a miscarriage occurring before the 22nd week of pregnancy, with no minimum service requirement. In parallel, Special Parental Bereavement Leave now entitles parents who lose a child under the age of eighteen to seven days of paid leave, replacing the previously limited sector-based entitlement. Both regimes establish clear reimbursement mechanisms and reinforce protection against discrimination or dismissal.