China Extends Marriage Leave to Boost Marriage and Family

A group wedding ceremony took place at the Shenyang Palace Museum in Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China, on May 22, 2024.

China is implementing extended marriage leave policies in at least 27 provincial-level regions. This initiative is part of a broader effort to create a more family-friendly environment. Sichuan Province, a populous region, has proposed extending marriage leave from three to 20 days, with an additional five days for those undergoing premarital medical checkups. This proposal is currently open for public comment.

Shandong Province, with a population exceeding 100 million, has also increased marriage leave to a maximum of 18 days through legislation. Nationally, China currently provides newlyweds with three days of marriage leave, a practice dating back to 1980.

The need for extended leave is driven by the demands of modern weddings and the impact on marriage and fertility rates. Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to significant migration, yet the tradition of returning home for weddings remains strong, requiring considerable time for travel and celebrations.

Provincial-level regions have the authority to determine marriage leave durations, often influenced by local customs and demographic policies. Shanxi and Gansu provinces offer the most generous policies, providing up to 30 days of paid leave.

These measures are being introduced amid declining marriage registrations. Official data indicates a decrease in the number of couples registering to marry. Scholars attribute this decline to factors such as a shrinking pool of marriage-age adults and changing attitudes towards marriage.

Higher education levels and a growing sense of individualism are also influencing views on marriage. The traditional expectation of marriage preceding childbearing means that declining marriage rates contribute to falling birth rates.

In response to these challenges, authorities are implementing various measures to support newlyweds. China has streamlined marriage registration, allowing couples to register anywhere in the country without a household registration booklet.

Local authorities are also extending maternity and paternity leave to support family planning. However, concerns exist that these benefits could be challenging for businesses to implement due to economic pressures.

Experts suggest that the overall cost of extending marriage and maternity leave is manageable. They propose that local budgets could assist enterprises in offsetting some of the costs associated with these policies. This suggestion is reflected in policy proposals, which emphasize the need for government funding to ensure the effective implementation of leave policies.