Greece Expands Maternity Leave to More Categories of Mothers

Stay connected to Greek City Times for Free on Google News
Click NOW

Greece has expanded special maternity protection leave to more categories of beneficiaries under a recent ministerial decision, labour lawyer Margarita Kardari said.

The new regulation extends access to the nine-month maternity leave, with payments made by the Public Employment Service (DYPA) based on the minimum wage. Beneficiaries also retain their social insurance coverage throughout the leave.

According to Kardari, who spoke to ERT, the expanded provisions now cover not only biological mothers but also adoptive mothers and intended mothers in cases of surrogacy. The measure also covers the adoption of a child up to the age of eight.

Kardari stressed that the leave addresses the needs of the family and child rather than simply serving as a recovery period after childbirth.

Under the applicable conditions, the right can also transfer to the father.

How the maternity leave can be used

The special maternity protection leave can follow the standard maternity leave and can also be combined with annual leave, depending on the employee’s choice.

Kardari explained that standard maternity leave lasts 17 weeks. After that period, an employee can take either annual leave or special maternity protection leave, in accordance with the applicable regulations.

Part-time workers gain access

One of the significant changes concerns part-time employees, who now qualify for special maternity protection leave.

A mother who works only certain hours to supplement her household income can retain her entitlement to the benefit, provided she meets the required conditions.

The expansion also covers seasonal workers, significantly increasing the number of women who can access the nine-month period of maternity protection leave.

The changes broaden the scope of Greece’s maternity protection framework and extend the benefit beyond traditional full-time employment and biological motherhood.

Stay updated with the latest news from Greece and around the world on greekcitytimes.com.
Contact our newsroom to share your updates, stories, photos, or videos. Follow GCT on Google News and Apple News.