Skip to main content
A Singapore Government Agency Website How to identify
Official website links end with .gov.sg
Secure websites use HTTPS
Look for a lock () or https:// as an added precaution. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Strategy Group
Parliamentary Replies

Parliamentary Reply by Minister Indranee Rajah on Government-Paid Maternity Leave

6 October 2026

The Government maintains a tiered approach to benefits whereby Singapore Citizens receive a higher level of support than Permanent Residents, reflecting the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship. Accordingly, eligibility for Government-Paid Leave schemes remains contingent on the child being a Singapore Citizen.

FIFTEENTH PARLIAMENT OF SINGAPORE

WRITTEN REPLY

TUESDAY, 6 October 2026

Mr Lee Hong Chuang:

To ask the Prime Minister and Minister for Finance whether the Government can consider providing Government-Paid Maternity Leave for the last four weeks out of the 12 weeks of maternity leave for parents who are both Singapore Permanent Residents (SPRs) and whose child is not a Singapore citizen but a SPR.

Ms Indranee Rajah (for the Prime Minister):

We generally differentiate government benefits and subsidies such that Singapore Citizens receive a higher level of support than Singapore Permanent Residents, including in areas such as parenthood, housing, healthcare and education. Such differentiation reflects the privileges and responsibilities of citizenship, and citizens' commitment to Singapore.

Accordingly, eligibility for Government-Paid Leave schemes is contingent on the child being a Singapore Citizen.