Singapore’s Government has said it will continue to review support for working caregivers, but has stopped short of committing to mandatory and Government-paid family care leave for employees caring for elderly parents or dependents with disabilities.
The response came from the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) to a parliamentary question from MP Rachel Ong, who asked whether such leave could be introduced following the Government’s announcement of enhanced Government-paid childcare leave at National Day Rally 2026.
Ong specifically asked whether support should extend to single employees who are primary caregivers, arguing that caregiving responsibilities should be recognised beyond parental status.
Flexibility seen as more useful than additional leave
In its written answer dated 10 September 2026, the Government said it recognises the diverse caregiving needs of working Singaporeans, including those supporting elderly parents and dependants with disabilities.
However, it said any support measures must balance caregivers’ needs with employers’ operational requirements.
MOM pointed to feedback from working caregivers indicating that flexible work arrangements (FWAs) are often more useful than additional leave days. Flexible hours, part-time employment and job sharing can help employees manage recurring caregiving responsibilities, rather than providing support only through discrete periods of leave.
The ministry also cited its 2024 Survey on Employees’ Working Conditions, which found that FWAs were the most influential work-life harmony factor when employees considered job choices, ahead of leave benefits and employee support schemes.
FWA framework already in place
Singapore introduced the Tripartite Guidelines on Flexible Work Arrangement Requests in 2024, establishing a formal process for employees to request flexible work arrangements and requiring employers to consider such requests based on business grounds.
Employers can also access implementation resources from the Tripartite Alliance for Fair and Progressive Employment Practices (TAFEP) and the Institute of Human Resource Professionals.
The Government said it will continue to regularly review its support for working caregivers as part of broader efforts to build an inclusive and supportive workplace culture.
The response leaves open the question of whether Singapore will introduce dedicated family care leave for employees with eldercare or disability-related responsibilities, particularly as the country’s workforce and caregiving needs evolve.