In Singapore, the law protects all employees from unfair dismissal – requiring any such decisions to be based on relevant and objective performance criteria, and after a comprehensive inquiry.
Therefore, dismissing an employee because of pregnancy is against the law.
Furthermore, a pregnant employee has maternity protection if she has been at her job for at least 3 months. This means that if you are retrenched (and not fired for sufficient cause) while you are pregnant, your employer must pay the maternity benefits you would have been eligible for.
Maternity leave benefits and protection are covered under Part III of the Child Development Co-Savings Act and Part IX of the Employment Act. This includes being entitled to up to 16 weeks of maternity leave if you meet the eligibility criteria while continuing to receive your salary. Employers also cannot ask an employee to work during the first 4 weeks of her confinement.
If you have been discriminated against or unjustly treated, you should approach MOM for assistance.
Read Also: Maternity Leave: Understanding Your Rights As A Pregnant Employee In Singapore