An employer cannot dismiss an employee while she is on maternity leave — doing so is a criminal offence under Singapore law.

If an employer terminates or retrenches a pregnant employee without sufficient cause, and she has served the employer for at least 3 months, the employer is required to pay her the maternity benefits she would otherwise have been entitled to.

To qualify for this maternity protection, the employee must have:

• Worked for the employer for at least 3 months before receiving the notice of dismissal or retrenchment.

• Been certified pregnant by a medical practitioner before receiving the notice of dismissal or retrenchment.

Employers also have the following obligations towards employees on maternity leave:

• Continue paying the employee's full salary throughout her maternity leave, as though she had been working without a break.

• Not require the employee to work during the first 4 weeks of her confinement.