Foster family benefits have remained stagnant for 15 years, prompting calls for urgent reform in financial support from lawmakers and a House labour committee. The push for change reflects a growing recognition of the disconnect between outdated benefits and the current economic climate and societal needs, emphasizing the necessity for immediate action to better support foster families.
Cyprus is facing a crisis with an alarmingly low birth rate of 1.4 children per woman, below the replacement threshold. The decline raises concerns about an aging workforce, pressure on social services, and economic sustainability for the island nation.
The proposed maternity leave extension bill set to be voted on in the House plenum includes extending leave to 22 weeks for firsttime mothers, with immediate effect for current beneficiaries and provisions for premature birth and adoption leave extensions, estimated to cost between €4.1 to €4.4 million annually. This legislative move is seen as a significant step in supporting working families, underlining the government’s commitment to providing essential family support mechanisms within the workforce.
