Special absence authorizations: a new framework applicable in 2027

Officials and contract staff are granted special leave authorizations (SAAs) and time adjustments linked to parenthood and family events.

The decree of 6 July 2026 comes harmonizing the rules on those SAAs for all public officials and employers. There is no effect on annual leave.

The text will enter into force on 1^er January 2027 and will allow officers to reconcile certain events in their family life with continuity of service.

What legal ASAs are indicated in the new decree?

Public officials may be entitled to special leave of absence, in particular in the following situations:

• Pregnancy - mandatory prenatal and postnatal medical examinations: ASA to attend the mandatory medical examinations as part of the medical supervision of pregnancy and the aftermath of childbirth, if these appointments are to take place during working time.
• Adoption procedure: ASA to attend the mandatory interviews necessary to obtain approval if these interviews are to take place during working time (5 days maximum per approval procedure).
• Announcement of a disability, chronic disease or cancer affecting his child: 5 days of ASA.
• Death of the spouse (marital life, marriage or civil solidarity pact-Civil partnerships): 5 days of ASA.
• Death of a family member (father, mother, stepfather, stepmother, brother or sister): 3 days of ASA.
• Marriage or Civil partnerships: 5 days of ASA.

What ASAs are granted subject to the service requirements specified in the Order?

SAAs shall be granted subject to service requirements in the following cases:

• From 3^e month of pregnancy: ASA of 1 hour per day from 1^er day of 3^e month of pregnancy and up to the date of commencement of maternity leave.
• Care or custody of one or more children under 16: maximum ASA of 6 days per year (full-time or full-time staff; in other cases, reduced in proportion to the working time). No age limit is set when the child is disabled. The duration is doubled if the agent alone assumes responsibility for the child(ren).

What scheduling arrangements are provided for in the decree?

Scheduling arrangements are possible subject to the employer's agreement. The hours not worked are then recovered. Timetable adjustments are planned in particular in the following cases:

• To breastfeed your child: a woman can breastfeed her child for 1 year from birth, with a time arrangement allowing to interrupt her work 1 hour per day (no recovery of time in this case).
• To attend the birth and parenting preparation sessions (also applicable to the married, entered into a civil partnership or married partner).
• To attend meetings or elections, as an elected representative or delegate of parents of students.
• To be able to accompany your child in school on the day of the school year (kindergarten and elementary school).