0
Ministry of Employment and Labor, Government Complex Sejong / Kim Bo-young, Staff Photographer

Starting in November, the paid portion of fertility treatment leave will expand from the current 2 days to 4 days, and the maximum benefit amount will rise from 168,420 won to 336,840 won.

The Ministry of Employment and Labor announced on the 23rd that it will publish a "Fertility Treatment Leave Guide for Employers and HR Managers" to help business owners and HR staff more easily administer the related system.

The guidebook includes practical content for use in the workplace, along with specific case studies from companies that have improved their operating methods and application procedures.

Fertility treatment leave is statutory leave that employees can use to undergo fertility treatments such as artificial insemination or in vitro fertilization. Currently, employees can take up to 6 days per year, of which 2 days are paid. Male employees are also eligible and can take up to 6 days per year.

Accordingly, the maximum benefit amount will also expand from 168,420 won to 336,840 won. In addition, employers who subject employees to unfavorable treatment because of fertility treatment leave will face up to 3 years in prison or a fine of up to 30 million won, with these penalty provisions taking effect in November.

The ministry had previously expanded the scope of fertility treatment covered under the leave through a revised administrative interpretation starting in August of last year, extending it beyond medical procedures like artificial insemination and IVF to include the recovery period immediately following such procedures.

Since May, the ministry has also simplified the documents required when applying for fertility treatment leave benefits, allowing the Ministry of Health and Welfare's "Notice of Decision on Support for Infertile Couples' Treatment Costs" to replace a doctor's certificate, reducing the burden of obtaining one.

Applications for fertility treatment leave benefits can be submitted through the Work24 website or the relevant employment center. Applications must be filed between 1 month after the start of leave and within 12 months after the leave ends. Employers can also provide paid leave upfront and apply for the benefit on the employee's behalf.

Cho Jeong-sook, director general of the Employment Support Policy Bureau, said, "As the age of pregnancy and childbirth rises, the need for government support for fertility treatment leave is growing," adding, "As this is also an important system for addressing low birth rates, we will strengthen government support while also creating a workplace environment where employees can use the system without feeling pressured."

                                                                                                           Kim Bo-young