Minister of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security, Dr. Albert Kawana, has expressed reservations about the possibility of introducing paternity leave, citing concerns that it could result in unintended repercussions.
He specifically voiced apprehensions about young men potentially impregnating multiple women and subsequently taking prolonged leave from work.
Dr. Kawana raised these points in debate over a motion presented by PDM MP Winnie Moongo, which advocates for improved maternity and paternity leaves.
The minister acknowledged his willingness to entertain the idea of paternity leave in exceptional circumstances, such as when the child’s mother faces incapacity or dies.
He, however, underscored his anxieties regarding the potential economic consequences for SMEs, saying they could incur additional losses that may eventually lead to employee layoffs.
Despite his reservations about paternity leave, the minister expressed support for maternity leave extensions to ensure that mothers have adequate time to care for their newborns.
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