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Unpaid Infant Care Leave in Singapore Explained Along with the FAQs

Every working parent is entitled to an unpaid infant care leave in Singapore. Here are the eligibility, requirements, and FAQs regarding the leave.

 

Entitlement

As a working parent in Singapore, you and your spouse are each entitled to 6 days of leave per year, regardless of the number of children.

 

Eligibility

Unpaid Infant Care Leave in SingaporeYou are eligible for this leave if you fulfil the following requirements:

  • Your child is a Singaporean citizen
  • Your child is below the age of 2 (including legally adopted children or step-children).
  • You have worked for your current employer for a continuous period of at least 3 months.

 
Do note that any unpaid infant care leaves not used by the end of the year shall be forfeited. For application and approval processes, please check with your employer as the internal processes may vary.

You will be entitled to 6 days of paid childcare leave on top of the 6 days of this leave if your Singaporean child is below 2 years old. Apart from these, if you have at least one child who is a Singaporean under the age of 2, you shall be eligible for 6 days of unpaid infant care leave yearly, until your child turns 2 years old.

 

Is Self-employed Eligible for This Leave or Not?

Yes. As it is unpaid with no reimbursement, hence, you may plan your leave accordingly.

 

Is Foreign Worker or PR Eligible for This Leave or Not?

Yes, if your child is a Singaporean and you satisfy the other eligibility criteria mentioned earlier.

 

Am I Eligible for Unpaid Infant Care Leave if I Am a Fixed-term Contractor, Temporary or Part-time Employee?

Yes, as long as you satisfy all the eligibility criteria. Do note that the leave you are entitled to be based on the number of hours you work in a week.

 

What is the Approving Process and Procedure?

Please check with your employer for the application and approval processes. Also, please notify your employer on your intention to take this leave, and reach an agreement on when this leave is to be taken.

 

Can My Employer Pro-rate My Unpaid Infant Care Leave by My Duration of Service?

No, your employer cannot pro-rate your unpaid infant care leave.

 

Is the Leave Transferable Between Spouses?

No, the leave is not transferable and any unused leave will lapse at the end of the agreed 12 months period.

Please note that this information is meant to provide general, rather than exact guidance. Hence, please refer to the Ministry of Manpower’s website for more accurate and updated information.