Singapore to announce childcare leave enhancement details in early 2027

The Singapore government will announce the implementation details and start date for expanded childcare leave benefits in early 2027, Minister in the Prime Minister's Office Indranee Rajah said in parliament on September 10. The delay is necessary to allow for legislative amendments and to work out implementation details with tripartite partners and employers. Prime Minister Lawrence Wong previously announced that parents will receive up to 12 days of childcare leave each, depending on the number of children. This is an increase from the current system of six days for children aged six and below, or two days for children aged seven to 12. Under the new scheme, parents with one child will get eight days, those with two children will get 10 days, and those with three or more will get 12 days. The government will reimburse employers for the full duration of all child related leave up to a cap. Minister Indranee stated that the government is studying ways to support companies with backfilling arrangements, such as hiring temporary staff or recognizing employees who take on extra responsibilities. She emphasized that the long term solution is for workplaces to accept caregiving leave as a normal part of human resources policy and to adapt through job redesign, flexible work arrangements, and automation. The Marriage and Parenthood Reset Workgroup, which chairs Minister Indranee, will identify sector specific barriers to leave taking and share its full recommendations in early 2027. The minister noted that improving workplace culture to balance work and personal responsibilities would benefit all employees, including those who are not parents.