Moldovan Parliament approves law to count maternity and paternity leave toward pension contributions

The Moldovan Parliament adopted a final‑reading draft law that will include periods of maternity and paternity leave in the pension contribution record, even when no social security contributions are paid during those intervals. The change eliminates a previous disadvantage for parents and aligns pension calculations with the time spent on parental leave.

The legislation also introduces the notion of a "employee with family responsibilities" into the Labour Code, granting additional legal guarantees for workers caring for family members, including persons with disabilities. It expands protection for single parents working night shifts, allowing them to work only with their written consent if they have children up to 16 years old. The law will enter into force three months after its publication in the Official Gazette. Under current rules, maternity leave lasts at least 126 calendar days and may be extended for complicated or multiple births, while paternity leave is up to 15 calendar days.