Malta’s urgent family leave doubles to 32 hours, effective April

The Government is set to increase urgent family leave from 15 hours to 32 hours per year, announced Junior Minister for Social Dialogue Andy Ellul.

The change, which takes effect from 4th April, will allow workers to take up to eight hours of leave per day for a total of four days annually.

This leave will be deducted equally from an employee’s existing entitlements – 16 hours from annual vacation leave and the remaining 16 hours from sick leave. The measure will also apply to part-time employees on a pro-rata basis.

Employers retain the right to request proof when workers make use of this entitlement, to prevent system abuse.

Dr Ellul stated that the initiative is part of the Government’s broader commitment to improving work-life balance.

“We must be more sensible to family matters. The increase of leave will give employees ease of mind when they need to take care of their families. With this ease of mind, the employee can even give their best performance at work,” he said.

Urgent family leave can be used for situations such as caring for an unwell child, assisting elderly parents in emergencies – whether due to illness or unforeseen issues at their residence – even if they do not live together, and supporting siblings or minors under legal custody.

Dr Ellul acknowledged that while this was a step forward, further efforts were needed to create a better balance between work and personal life.