Algeria Extends Maternity Leave for Women with Special Needs Newborns, Reinforcing Social Protection Policies

BY: Dr. Hana Saada

Algiers, Algeria | January 16th, 2025 — Algeria has taken a landmark step in strengthening its social protection framework with the extension of maternity leave for working mothers caring for newborns with severe health conditions. Minister of National Solidarity, Family, and Women’s Affairs, Soraya Mouloudji, announced the measure during a hearing before the Health, Social Affairs, Labor, and National Solidarity Committee of the Council of the Nation on Tuesday.

The newly extended maternity leave grants an additional 14 consecutive weeks beyond the standard legal maternity leave period for working mothers whose infants are diagnosed with severe mental or congenital disabilities, or serious illnesses requiring continuous care. This extension, requested by the mother, ensures she receives 100% of her daily salary compensation throughout the period, reaffirming the state’s commitment to supporting its citizens during critical life circumstances.

Minister Mouloudji elaborated that should the infant’s health complications persist or worsen, the leave can be further extended by an additional 24 weeks, also fully compensated, emphasizing the necessity of uninterrupted maternal care for the child’s well-being. She hailed this decision as a reflection of President Abdelmadjid Tebboune’s unwavering commitment to fortifying Algeria’s social front, fostering hope, and further enhancing citizens’ rights.

“This decision enables the early intervention against disabilities and ensures proper medical care and continuous support for affected children,” Mouloudji asserted, highlighting the forward-thinking nature of Algeria’s social policies.

The minister further emphasized that the initiative underscores the state’s recognition of women’s pivotal role in the family and society, characterizing the measure as a significant achievement in Algeria’s ongoing efforts to safeguard and empower women. She recalled the numerous advancements made in recent years, including the 2020 constitutional reforms, which emphasized greater political representation for women and expanded their rights in elected bodies.

Additionally, Mouloudji pointed out Algeria’s progressive stance on gender equality in the labor market, stating that the country ensures wage parity between men and women and offers female workers enhanced social security benefits. Among these is the option for women to retire as early as 55 years old, compared to the standard retirement age of 60, with mothers who have raised children for at least nine years eligible for additional retirement age reductions of up to three years.

Algeria’s maternity policies stand in stark contrast to those of many developed nations, with the minister stressing that the country’s comprehensive support system, including equal pay and unemployment benefits for women, positions it among global leaders in safeguarding working mothers’ rights.

“This forward-looking approach demonstrates Algeria’s deep respect for women as pillars of the family and educators of future generations, while ensuring the stability and prosperity of Algerian households,” Mouloudji affirmed, underscoring the nation’s dedication to both family welfare and national progress.

This policy serves as yet another testament to Algeria’s continued efforts to promote gender equality, protect working mothers, and provide a robust social protection system in line with global best practices.

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