Taiwan Extends Paid Marriage Leave to 14 Days Starting October

Getting hitched in Taiwan may soon entitle you to longer marriage leave. Starting October, all workers will be entitled to up to 14 days off with full pay, up from the previous eight days. The change comes as part of a package of 18 policies endorsed by President Lai Ching-de to tackle the country's declining birth rate. The goal is to make it easier for people to start a family with measures such as child savings deposits and flexible leave systems. Some in Taipei support the change, but say it doesn't need to be any longer. One NGO that's been following child care policy says boosting the country's birth rate may take more than a few extra days of honeymoon. Unlike other types of leave that are clearly defined by law, such as maternity leave, changes to marriage leave can be implemented immediately without legislative review. As people wait for the rest of the family-friendly policies to pass the legislature, couples may want to hold off on their honeymoon a few more weeks, so they can enjoy them a bit longer. Alex Chen and Naring Lin for Taiwan Plus.