France unifies special absence rules and introduces new birth leave for public workers and Mayotte

A decree published in the Official Journal on 9 July 2026 (decree n° 2026‑604) establishes a single regulatory framework for special absence authorisations (ASA) linked to parental and family events across France's state, territorial and hospital civil services. The rules take effect on 1 January 2027 and define three categories of ASA: unconditional rights, rights subject to service needs, and flexible working‑time arrangements. Specific entitlements include several days of leave for events such as a child's serious illness, marriage, death of a spouse or parent, and daily hours for pregnant employees.

The same legislative text also introduces an individual birth leave, retroactive to children born from January 2024, giving each parent a separate right of up to two months of paid leave (70 % salary the first month, 60 % the second). The provision applies in mainland France and the overseas department of Mayotte, where officials stress the need for employer compliance and worker awareness. Enforcement mechanisms allow employees to appeal refusals to labour inspectors and the courts, and the Social Security agency will reinforce communication about the new rights.