BY: Dr. Hana Saada
Minister Fayçal Bentaleb unveils sweeping reforms to the Social Insurance Law, offering extended paid leave and enhanced protections for mothers of children with disabilities or serious illnesses
Algiers, Algeria | April 23rd, 2025 — In a landmark announcement that reaffirms Algeria’s commitment to social justice and women’s rights, Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security, Fayçal Bentaleb, presented the government’s new draft law on social insurance, with a primary focus on extending maternity leave for working women.
Speaking before the Health, Social Affairs, Labour and Vocational Training Committee of the People’s National Assembly, Minister Bentaleb revealed that the new bill proposes a full five-month (150-day) paid maternity leave, up from the current 98 days. Under the proposed reform, women will receive daily compensation equivalent to 100% of their wages for the entire duration of the leave.
“The extension of maternity leave is a direct expression of the State’s commitment to protecting working mothers and their newborns,” Bentaleb stated. “It allows for sufficient recovery time and optimal infant care, reaffirming the government’s dedication to building a strong, healthy generation.”
Additional Support for Mothers of Children with Disabilities
The legislation also introduces unprecedented provisions for mothers of infants born with disabilities, congenital malformations, or serious medical conditions requiring constant medical attention. Upon submission of a validated medical report to the social security authorities, these mothers will be granted an additional 50-day extension following the standard 150-day leave.
In cases where the child’s condition demands prolonged care, a second extension of up to 165 days may be granted, based on medical evaluation. This potentially allows eligible mothers to benefit from a total of 365 days—an entire year—of paid maternity leave if required by their newborn’s health condition.
“These enhancements go beyond the recommendations and standards of the International Labour Organization,” Bentaleb emphasized, “not only in terms of the duration of leave, but also in terms of financial compensation and family-centered support.”
Aligning Professional and Family Responsibilities
Minister Bentaleb underscored the psychological and professional significance of the reform. By reducing the pressure on working mothers and ensuring that maternity leave is not penalized in their retirement trajectory, the law seeks to strike a critical balance between professional life and family obligations. Additionally, it aims to curb reliance on medical leave as a means of compensating for insufficient maternity provisions.
President Abdelmadjid Tebboune played a pivotal role in spearheading this reform. In February, during a Cabinet meeting, the President called for the extension of maternity leave from the previous three and a half months to five full months. His directive was translated into the current draft law.
Earlier, in January, the Cabinet also endorsed a 14-week additional leave for public employees whose newborns suffer from mental or physical disabilities or serious illnesses. Minister of National Solidarity Kaouthar Krikou confirmed that this supplementary leave will be compensated at 100% of the mother’s daily salary, contingent on medical validation and the necessity of continuous maternal presence.
If the child’s condition persists or worsens, an additional 24-week uninterrupted extension may be granted, reinforcing the government’s commitment to early intervention and inclusive healthcare for children with special needs.
Minister Krikou concluded, “This policy is a key step in supporting families of children with disabilities. It guarantees the presence of the mother during the most crucial early stages of medical intervention and care.”
