With the entry into force of Law No. 8/2020 (Amending Law No. 7/2008 (Labour Relations Law)), the paid maternity leave of local employees was increased from 56 to 70 days. Among them, the new 14-day maternity leave pay received by local female employees will be subsidized by the SAR Government within three years after the law came into force, and the Social Security Fund (abbreviated to FSS in Macao) will be in charge of the application, processing, payment and supervision of the subsidy.

The Maternity Leave Pay Subsidy is for female employees who gave birth between 26 May 2020 and 25 May 2023.  She must be a holder of the Macao SAR Resident ID Card, and, on the date of childbirth, she must have a labour relationship with the employer for more than one year, and the maternity leave pay given by the employer is less than 70 days.  The female employee may apply to the FSS within 120 days from the date of childbirth.  According to the law, employers must give at least 56 days of maternity leave pay, and the Maternity Leave Pay Subsidy is limited to 14 days of basic remuneration, depending on the difference between the 70-day maternity leave pay and the number of days the employer The Maternity Leave Pay Subsidy is for female employees who gave birth between 26 May 2020 and 25 May 2023.  She must be a holder of the Macao SAR Resident ID Card, and, on the date of childbirth, she must have a labour relationship with the employer for more than one year, and the maternity leave pay given by the employer is less than 70 days.  The female employee may apply to the FSS within 120 days from the date of childbirth.  According to the law, employers must give at least 56 days of maternity leave pay,actually paid for maternity leave pay.  Under normal circumstances, as long as the applicant meets the eligibility requirments, the FSS will make a decision on the application within 60 days from the day the applicant submits all required documents, and the subsidy will be paid within the next month.

Applicants are required to complete a dedicated form and bring along the required documents for application.  The applicant will also be entitled to the subsidy if her child is born outside Macao.  In addition, a female employee may apply for birth allowance together if she meets the eligibility requirements at the same time.  In order to make it easiser for eligible female employees to better understand the relevant regulations and the application procedures, the FSS has a web page on Maternity Leave Pay Subsidy.  If you have any questions, you may visit the FSS website at www.fss.gov.mo, or call 2853 2850 during office hours for enquiries.