On Tuesday 11 July 2023, the Chamber of Deputies (Luxembourg's parliament) approved two bills related to new types of leave for parents and carers.
Luxembourg MPs adopted Bill 8017 which extends parental leave (ten days after the birth of one's child) to self-employed people. The bill also introduces this leave for the second parent in same-sex couples; until now, it was reserved for same-sex couples having adopted a child.
With the new law, parents can also take advantage of more paternity leave days in the event of multiple births. A father of twins, for example, will be entitled to 20 days of paternity leave.
The entry into force of the new legislative framework will also be an opportunity to digitalise the reimbursement procedure for companies (via MyGuichet.lu), noted Luxembourg's Ministry of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy in a press release.
"This new law brings improvements on several levels. It's about allowing more people to have a lot more time for their newborn children. At the same time, these changes are part of the government's desire to allow a better balance between professional and private life. Finally, the new procedure will guarantee efficient and rapid processing of files," commented Luxembourg's Minister of Labour, Employment and the Social and Solidarity Economy, Georges Engel.
MPs also approved Bill 8016 which introduces two new types of leave. One day of leave may be taken once per year in cases of "force majeure", i.e. in cases of exceptional and unforeseeable family situations.
This bill also introduces a new type of leave of five days per year which may be granted to employees who have to provide personal care or assistance to a family or household member.
"These two new extraordinary leaves demonstrate the government's desire to support families in difficult situations," stated Minister Engel.
