The Ministry for Social Policy and Children's Rights today announced the implementation of another Budget 2026 measure, through which parental leave has now also been extended to self-employed parents, giving them the same entitlement that employed persons have had until now.

This parental leave will be paid in the form of a benefit by the Department of Social Security at a rate equivalent to the married rate established for the Sickness Benefit for the year in which the parental leave is taken.

Self-employed parents, including adoptive and foster parents, are entitled, with effect retrospectively from 1 January 2026, to four (4) months of Parental or Adoption Leave for each child, which must be taken before the child reaches the age of eight (8).

The first two months, or eight (8) weeks, of paid parental leave are non-transferable between eligible parents. In the case of a self-employed parent, they will now be eligible to receive the benefit. The second two months, or eight (8) weeks, of unpaid parental leave may be transferred between parents, including from a self-employed parent to an employed parent, but no benefit or paid leave will be provided.

Minister for Social Policy and Children's Rights Michael Falzon said that the Government's word is a contract with the people and, therefore, what is announced in the Budget is implemented by the Government. He said that through this measure, the Government is continuing to encourage flexibility and a better balance between work and family life, including for self-employed persons, so that the quality of life of families in Malta can continue to improve.

Minister Falzon concluded by saying that these social rights will continue to be strengthened through the measures in the "Int Malta" Electoral Manifesto in the coming period. These measures include further improvements and increases in maternity, paternity and parental leave, whereby whatever is introduced for employed persons will also be introduced for those who are self-employed.