Legislative proposal seeks to remove age limit for parental leave of children with disabilities

On October 24, 2026, DISY MP Savia Orphanidou submitted a legislative proposal to the Cypriot House of Representatives aiming to abolish the age limit for parental leave concerning parents of persons with disabilities. The proposal has been referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Labour, Welfare and Social Insurance for further examination.

Currently, the existing law on parental leave and flexible working arrangements limits eligibility until a child reaches 15 years of age. For parents of persons with disabilities, the law extends this entitlement until the child turns 21. The proposed amendment seeks to remove this 21-year limit entirely, enabling parents to access leave regardless of their child's age. According to the explanatory report, this change is intended to ensure adequate care for individuals with disabilities throughout their lives.

The legislative process is now in its initial stages as the Parliamentary Committee prepares to review the potential impact and social implications of the amendment. No timeline for a final vote has been established as the bill moves through the standard parliamentary procedure.