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Pakistan Announces 3-Day Public Holidays For Eidul Fitr Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Federal government of Pakistan has announced a three-day public holidays on account of the upcoming Eidul Fitr (End of Ramadan). As per the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the upcoming Eidul Fitr public holidays of Pakistan will run from Monday, March 31, until Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Last December, Pakistan's Cabinet Division had issued the circular Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2025, which contained its annual list of the expected dates for non-working public holidays, bank holidays and optional holidays for the calendar year 2025, listing March 30 to April 1st as the dates of the 2025 Eidul Fitr public holidays.
Pakistan Announces 3-Day Public Holidays For Eidul Fitr Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Federal government of Pakistan has announced a three-day public holidays on account of the upcoming Eidul Fitr (End of Ramadan). As per the notification issued by the Cabinet Division, the upcoming Eidul Fitr public holidays of Pakistan will run from Monday, March 31, until Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Last December, Pakistan's Cabinet Division had issued the circular Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2025, which contained its annual list of the expected dates for non-working public holidays, bank holidays and optional holidays for the calendar year 2025, listing March 30 to April 1st as the dates of the 2025 Eidul Fitr public holidays.
Bolivian Father's Day Public Holiday March 19 Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has announced that Wednesday, March 19, 2025, would be a half-day non-working public holiday for the Bolivian public and private sector. As per the aforementioned announcement, "In commemoration of Bolivian Father's Day, a half-day holiday is being held this Wednesday, March 19th of this year, for fathers working in the public and private sectors". Recall that in May 2023, the Government of Bolivia gazetted the Decreto Supremo Nº 4927 which declares half-day public holidays for both Father's Day ("Se establece asueto de media jornada laboral el día 19 de marzo de cada gestión, aplicable en el sector público y privado, conmemorando el Día del Padre boliviano") and Mother's Day ("Se establece asueto de media jornada laboral el día 27 de mayo de cada gestión, aplicable en el sector público y privado, en conmemoración del Día de la Madre boliviana") with the case of these dates falling on a Sunday being also covered ("El asueto establecido por el Artículo 2 del presente Decreto Supremo podrá ser utilizado el día hábil anterior o posterior al 19 de marzo o al 27 de mayo, en caso que estos correspondan a día domingo"). Prior to 2023, in 2012 and 2014, March 19 had also been declared a half-day public holiday, but it was limited to the public sector and to fathers.
Bolivian Father's Day Public Holiday March 19 Ministerio de Trabajo, Empleo y Previsión Social (La Paz) Bolivia's Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Security has announced that Wednesday, March 19, 2025, would be a half-day non-working public holiday for the Bolivian public and private sector. As per the aforementioned announcement, "In commemoration of Bolivian Father's Day, a half-day holiday is being held this Wednesday, March 19th of this year, for fathers working in the public and private sectors". Recall that in May 2023, the Government of Bolivia gazetted the Decreto Supremo Nº 4927 which declares half-day public holidays for both Father's Day ("Se establece asueto de media jornada laboral el día 19 de marzo de cada gestión, aplicable en el sector público y privado, conmemorando el Día del Padre boliviano") and Mother's Day ("Se establece asueto de media jornada laboral el día 27 de mayo de cada gestión, aplicable en el sector público y privado, en conmemoración del Día de la Madre boliviana") with the case of these dates falling on a Sunday being also covered ("El asueto establecido por el Artículo 2 del presente Decreto Supremo podrá ser utilizado el día hábil anterior o posterior al 19 de marzo o al 27 de mayo, en caso que estos correspondan a día domingo"). Prior to 2023, in 2012 and 2014, March 19 had also been declared a half-day public holiday, but it was limited to the public sector and to fathers.
Catalonia 2026 Public Holidays Announced Diario Oficial de la Generalitat de Cataluña (DOGC) The Ministry of Business and Labor of the Generalitat de Cataluña has approved the Calendario Laboral containing the list of 2026 non-working days and holidays in Spain's Autonomous Region of Cataluña, including both the nationwide public holidays in Spain, as well as the Catalonia-specific public holidays of September 11 (Día Nacional de Cataluña) and December 26 (San Esteban). For 2026, November 1st and December 6 do not appear in the list of 2026 public holidays as they fall on a Sunday. Additionally, in 2026, one of the above public holidays will be recoverable, meaning that on that date that an employee can decide whether or not to attend the workplace, but if he does not do so, he will have to compensate the company. Finally, as usual, in the territory of Aran, in accordance with Decree 152/1997, of June 25, and Decree 146/1998, of June 23, which modify Decree 177/1980, of October 3, on the calendar of fixed and substitute festivals, the festival of December 26 (Saint Stephen) will be replaced by June 17 (Aran Festival).
Catalonia 2026 Public Holidays Announced Diario Oficial de la Generalitat de Cataluña (DOGC) The Ministry of Business and Labor of the Generalitat de Cataluña has approved the Calendario Laboral containing the list of 2026 non-working days and holidays in Spain's Autonomous Region of Cataluña, including both the nationwide public holidays in Spain, as well as the Catalonia-specific public holidays of September 11 (Día Nacional de Cataluña) and December 26 (San Esteban). For 2026, November 1st and December 6 do not appear in the list of 2026 public holidays as they fall on a Sunday. Additionally, in 2026, one of the above public holidays will be recoverable, meaning that on that date that an employee can decide whether or not to attend the workplace, but if he does not do so, he will have to compensate the company. Finally, as usual, in the territory of Aran, in accordance with Decree 152/1997, of June 25, and Decree 146/1998, of June 23, which modify Decree 177/1980, of October 3, on the calendar of fixed and substitute festivals, the festival of December 26 (Saint Stephen) will be replaced by June 17 (Aran Festival).
Sabah State Public Holiday Amended Again Sabah State Government (Kota Kinabalu) The State Secretary of Malaysia's State of Sabah, Safar Untong, has announced that from this year onward the official Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) birthday celebrations would be observed on March 30. Recall that, in 2010, the then State Secretary of Sabah, Datuk Sukarti Wakiman, had announced that, effective in 2010, the official state public holiday for the celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri (head of state's birthday) would be moved to the first Saturday of October. Before that, the September Sabah state public holiday had been postponed to October 11, 2008, due to it coinciding with the month of Ramadan in 2008.
Sabah State Public Holiday Amended Again Sabah State Government (Kota Kinabalu) The State Secretary of Malaysia's State of Sabah, Safar Untong, has announced that from this year onward the official Sabah Yang di-Pertua Negeri (TYT) birthday celebrations would be observed on March 30. Recall that, in 2010, the then State Secretary of Sabah, Datuk Sukarti Wakiman, had announced that, effective in 2010, the official state public holiday for the celebration of the Yang Dipertua Negeri (head of state's birthday) would be moved to the first Saturday of October. Before that, the September Sabah state public holiday had been postponed to October 11, 2008, due to it coinciding with the month of Ramadan in 2008.
Azerbaijan Celbrates Earth Tuesday of Novruz Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) Tomorrow, Azerbaijan will be marking Earth Tuesday, the fourth of four Tuesdays leading to the annual Novruz public holidays of Azerbaijan. Since 2024, Azerbaijan has been marking the four Tuesdays leading to Novruz, namely Su Chershenbesi (Water Tuesday), Od Chershenbesi (Fire Tuesday), Hava Charshanbasi (Wind Tuesday), and Torpag Chershenbe/Ilakhir Chershenbe (Earth Tuesday/Last Tuesday). Recall that, last December, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan decided that the 2025 Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-26, 2025, inclusively. But a month ago, the same Cabinet of Ministers issued the decision No. 23 dated February 15, 2025 (решению Кабинета министров №23 от 15 февраля 2025), signed by Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, which amended the schedule of public holidays for Novruz ("in order to ensure the sequence of working and non-working days, the working days of March 27 and 28, 2025 (Thursday and Friday) will be swapped with the non-working days of March 10 (Monday) and April 1 (Tuesday)").
Azerbaijan Celbrates Earth Tuesday of Novruz Public Holidays Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers (Baku) Tomorrow, Azerbaijan will be marking Earth Tuesday, the fourth of four Tuesdays leading to the annual Novruz public holidays of Azerbaijan. Since 2024, Azerbaijan has been marking the four Tuesdays leading to Novruz, namely Su Chershenbesi (Water Tuesday), Od Chershenbesi (Fire Tuesday), Hava Charshanbasi (Wind Tuesday), and Torpag Chershenbe/Ilakhir Chershenbe (Earth Tuesday/Last Tuesday). Recall that, last December, the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan decided that the 2025 Novruz public holidays would be observed from March 20-26, 2025, inclusively. But a month ago, the same Cabinet of Ministers issued the decision No. 23 dated February 15, 2025 (решению Кабинета министров №23 от 15 февраля 2025), signed by Prime Minister, Ali Asadov, which amended the schedule of public holidays for Novruz ("in order to ensure the sequence of working and non-working days, the working days of March 27 and 28, 2025 (Thursday and Friday) will be swapped with the non-working days of March 10 (Monday) and April 1 (Tuesday)").
RBI Extends Scope Of March 31 Bank Holiday Cancellation Reserve Bank of India (New Delhi) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now announced that all banks would remain open for transactions on Monday, March 31, 2025, despite it being a public holiday, "to provide convenience to taxpayers". Recall that, a month ago, the RBI had already directed agency banks to keep their branches dealing with government transactions open for the public on March 31, 2025, despite the day being a public holiday on account of Id-Ul-Fitr (the End of Ramadan), due to April 1st being an annual nationwide bank holiday in India, and as such a March 31st closure of banks would have meant 4 consecutive days of nationwide bank closure. That earlier notification covered the 29 Indian banks; UCO Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, DCB Bank Ltd., Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Axis Bank Ltd., City Union Bank Ltd., Central Bank of India, Federal Bank Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., IDBI Bank Ltd., IDFC FIRST Bank Ltd., IndusInd Bank Ltd., Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd., Karnataka Bank Ltd., Karur Vysya Bank Ltd., Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., RBL Bank Ltd., South Indian Bank Ltd., Yes Bank Ltd., Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd., Bandhan Bank Ltd., CSB Bank Ltd., Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd., DBS Bank India Ltd. Recall that April 1st is an annual nationwide bank holiday in India, and a March 31st closure of banks would have meant 4 consecutive days of nationwide bank holidays.
RBI Extends Scope Of March 31 Bank Holiday Cancellation Reserve Bank of India (New Delhi) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has now announced that all banks would remain open for transactions on Monday, March 31, 2025, despite it being a public holiday, "to provide convenience to taxpayers". Recall that, a month ago, the RBI had already directed agency banks to keep their branches dealing with government transactions open for the public on March 31, 2025, despite the day being a public holiday on account of Id-Ul-Fitr (the End of Ramadan), due to April 1st being an annual nationwide bank holiday in India, and as such a March 31st closure of banks would have meant 4 consecutive days of nationwide bank closure. That earlier notification covered the 29 Indian banks; UCO Bank, Bank of India, Bank of Maharashtra, Canara Bank, DCB Bank Ltd., Indian Bank, Indian Overseas Bank, Punjab and Sind Bank, Punjab National Bank, State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, Axis Bank Ltd., City Union Bank Ltd., Central Bank of India, Federal Bank Ltd., HDFC Bank Ltd., ICICI Bank Ltd., IDBI Bank Ltd., IDFC FIRST Bank Ltd., IndusInd Bank Ltd., Jammu and Kashmir Bank Ltd., Karnataka Bank Ltd., Karur Vysya Bank Ltd., Kotak Mahindra Bank Ltd., RBL Bank Ltd., South Indian Bank Ltd., Yes Bank Ltd., Dhanlaxmi Bank Ltd., Bandhan Bank Ltd., CSB Bank Ltd., Tamilnad Mercantile Bank Ltd., DBS Bank India Ltd. Recall that April 1st is an annual nationwide bank holiday in India, and a March 31st closure of banks would have meant 4 consecutive days of nationwide bank holidays.
Venezuela Bank Holiday March 19 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Wednesday, March 19, 2025, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Saint Joseph's Day, and in line with the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the "Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario".
Venezuela Bank Holiday March 19 Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario (Sudeban) The Venezuelan regulatory body for the banking sector, Sudeban (Superintendencia de Instituciones del Sector Bancario) has announced that Wednesday, March 19, 2025, would be a bank holiday in Venezuela, on account of the upcoming Saint Joseph's Day, and in line with the official list of 2025 public and banking holidays in Venezuela as announced last November by the Sudeban, in conformity with the "Ley de Reforma Parcial de la Ley de Instituciones del Sector Bancario".
New Zealand Amends 2026 Public Holidays New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) The New Zealand Government has published an amended list of non-working public holidays in New Zealand for the calendar year 2026. Recall that, last month, the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released the list of non-working public holidays in New Zealand for the calendar year 2026, with a notable error in its listing of the date of Waitangi Day in 2026.
New Zealand Amends 2026 Public Holidays New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (Wellington) The New Zealand Government has published an amended list of non-working public holidays in New Zealand for the calendar year 2026. Recall that, last month, the New Zealand Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has released the list of non-working public holidays in New Zealand for the calendar year 2026, with a notable error in its listing of the date of Waitangi Day in 2026.
Kurdistan Rejects March 16 Halabja Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq has announced that Sunday, March 16, 2025, would be a regular working day. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The KRG's intention has been clear from the beginning. The government has set 16 March for the distribution of the salaries of the heirs of the martyrs, so that there is no holiday on that day". Recall that, earlier this week, the Iraqi Federal Government had declared Sunday, March 16, 2025 as a public holiday across all Iraqi institutions to commemorate the 1988 Halabja chemical attack, under Article 1 of the Official Holidays Law No. 12 of 2024. Before this week, March 16 had been listed as a banks-only holiday as per last November's official list of 2025 bank holidays released by the Central Bank of Iraq (عطل البنك المركزي العراقي لعام 2025 إضافة إلى أيام الجمع والسبت).
Kurdistan Rejects March 16 Halabja Public Holiday Al Sumaria News (Baghdad) The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) of Iraq has announced that Sunday, March 16, 2025, would be a regular working day. As per the aforementioned announcement, "The KRG's intention has been clear from the beginning. The government has set 16 March for the distribution of the salaries of the heirs of the martyrs, so that there is no holiday on that day". Recall that, earlier this week, the Iraqi Federal Government had declared Sunday, March 16, 2025 as a public holiday across all Iraqi institutions to commemorate the 1988 Halabja chemical attack, under Article 1 of the Official Holidays Law No. 12 of 2024. Before this week, March 16 had been listed as a banks-only holiday as per last November's official list of 2025 bank holidays released by the Central Bank of Iraq (عطل البنك المركزي العراقي لعام 2025 إضافة إلى أيام الجمع والسبت).
Kyrgyzstan Celebrates Its First Father's Day Holiday Kabar Kyrgyz National News Agency (Bishkek) Father's Day is being celebrated for the first time today in Kyrgyzstan. Recall that, last June, the Committee on Social Policy of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan had approved, in its first reading, the draft law On Establishing Father’s Day in the Kyrgyz Republic, which was submitted in mid-March by Member of the Parliament, Mederbek Aliyev. The legislation's introduction stated that "The draft law helps to emphasize and recognize the role of fathers, provides them with the opportunity to feel deep gratitude and appreciation from children, family and society. Father’s Day expresses support and recognition of the role of men and their responsibilities in all key aspects. This allows to create an atmosphere of encouragement for fathers who are actively involved in the upbringing of children, taking care of their family, to stimulate the role of fathers in upbringing and to remove stereotypes that taking care of children is the exclusive responsibility of mothers". As we mentioned in our reporting at that time, the March 15 holiday set forth in the draft law On Establishing Father’s Day in the Kyrgyz Republic would not be a non-working day.
Kyrgyzstan Celebrates Its First Father's Day Holiday Kabar Kyrgyz National News Agency (Bishkek) Father's Day is being celebrated for the first time today in Kyrgyzstan. Recall that, last June, the Committee on Social Policy of the Parliament of Kyrgyzstan had approved, in its first reading, the draft law On Establishing Father’s Day in the Kyrgyz Republic, which was submitted in mid-March by Member of the Parliament, Mederbek Aliyev. The legislation's introduction stated that "The draft law helps to emphasize and recognize the role of fathers, provides them with the opportunity to feel deep gratitude and appreciation from children, family and society. Father’s Day expresses support and recognition of the role of men and their responsibilities in all key aspects. This allows to create an atmosphere of encouragement for fathers who are actively involved in the upbringing of children, taking care of their family, to stimulate the role of fathers in upbringing and to remove stereotypes that taking care of children is the exclusive responsibility of mothers". As we mentioned in our reporting at that time, the March 15 holiday set forth in the draft law On Establishing Father’s Day in the Kyrgyz Republic would not be a non-working day.
BARMM Declares March 18 Day of Martyrs Public Holiday Philippine Information Agency (Manila) The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) of the Philippines has declared Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as a regular non-working holiday to commemorate Day of Shuhada (martyrs), in accordance with Proclamation No. 0006, Series of 2024, issued by the Office of the Chief Minister and Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 39. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) covers 5 provinces namely Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
BARMM Declares March 18 Day of Martyrs Public Holiday Philippine Information Agency (Manila) The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) of the Philippines has declared Tuesday, March 18, 2025, as a regular non-working holiday to commemorate Day of Shuhada (martyrs), in accordance with Proclamation No. 0006, Series of 2024, issued by the Office of the Chief Minister and Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 39. The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) covers 5 provinces namely Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.
Kazakhstan Rules-Out Additional Changes To 2025 Public Holidays Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan has announced that, apart from last January's January 3 bridge public holiday, "No other transfers of holidays are planned in 2025". Recall that, last November the Government of Kazakhstan announced in the order of November 21, 2024 No. 436, that "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025", leaving the door open for further changes to the list of 2025 public holidays.
Kazakhstan Rules-Out Additional Changes To 2025 Public Holidays Electronic government of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Astana) The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Kazakhstan has announced that, apart from last January's January 3 bridge public holiday, "No other transfers of holidays are planned in 2025". Recall that, last November the Government of Kazakhstan announced in the order of November 21, 2024 No. 436, that "the day off from Sunday, January 5, 2025, is transferred to Friday, January 3, 2025", leaving the door open for further changes to the list of 2025 public holidays.
Lithuanian Pushback Against November 2 Public Holiday Cancellation Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas (Vilnius) The Council for the Protection of Ethnic Culture has written to the Seimas (Lithuania's Parliament) voicing its opposition to the planned cancellation of the "November 1st All Saints' Day" [sic] annual public holiday and its replacement by a January 13, Defenders of Freedom Day. Note that there was never any discussion of cancelling the November 1st public holiday. Recall that, in early January, Seimas speaker Skvernelis introduced a bill containing amendments to remove January 13, the Day of Defenders of Freedom, from the Law on Memorial Days and instead include it in the Labor Code a non-working annual public holiday, to coincide with next year's 35th anniversary of the January 13, 1991, events when Soviet military units stormed the Vilnius TV tower and the building of the Radio and Television Committee, leading to 14 civilian deaths. In a later interview, Speaker Skvernelis had already suggested that November 2 could be removed from the list of annual public holidays in compensation, although other politicians had also suggested replacing January 13 with May 1st instead. Later that month, the Seimas passed that bill in its first reading with 43 in favor, 3 against, and 27 abstentions, and following that vote, the Seimas decided to ask the Government’s opinion on the draft legislation amending the Labour Code and the Law on Memorable Days and return to the issue in the spring session due to start on March 10th. Then, late last month, at a cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister, Gintautas Paluckas, the Government of Lithuania approved the conclusions prepared by the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, proposing promoting the Defenders of Freedom Day, celebrated on January 13, to non-working public holiday status, and removing November 2 All Souls' Day from the list of non-working days in compensation.
Lithuanian Pushback Against November 2 Public Holiday Cancellation Lietuvos Respublikos Seimas (Vilnius) The Council for the Protection of Ethnic Culture has written to the Seimas (Lithuania's Parliament) voicing its opposition to the planned cancellation of the "November 1st All Saints' Day" [sic] annual public holiday and its replacement by a January 13, Defenders of Freedom Day. Note that there was never any discussion of cancelling the November 1st public holiday. Recall that, in early January, Seimas speaker Skvernelis introduced a bill containing amendments to remove January 13, the Day of Defenders of Freedom, from the Law on Memorial Days and instead include it in the Labor Code a non-working annual public holiday, to coincide with next year's 35th anniversary of the January 13, 1991, events when Soviet military units stormed the Vilnius TV tower and the building of the Radio and Television Committee, leading to 14 civilian deaths. In a later interview, Speaker Skvernelis had already suggested that November 2 could be removed from the list of annual public holidays in compensation, although other politicians had also suggested replacing January 13 with May 1st instead. Later that month, the Seimas passed that bill in its first reading with 43 in favor, 3 against, and 27 abstentions, and following that vote, the Seimas decided to ask the Government’s opinion on the draft legislation amending the Labour Code and the Law on Memorable Days and return to the issue in the spring session due to start on March 10th. Then, late last month, at a cabinet meeting, chaired by Prime Minister, Gintautas Paluckas, the Government of Lithuania approved the conclusions prepared by the Ministry of Social Security and Labor, proposing promoting the Defenders of Freedom Day, celebrated on January 13, to non-working public holiday status, and removing November 2 All Souls' Day from the list of non-working days in compensation.
Malaysian Financial Market Holiday March 18 Bernama News Agency (Johor Baru) Bursa Malaysia has announced that Malaysia's financial markets would be closed on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, "in observance of the Nuzul Al-Quran public holiday", but that "the stock exchange and its subsidiaries will resume normal operations on March 19". The Nuzul Al-Quran public holiday is observed as an annual state public holiday in the Malaysian States and Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Labuan, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, and Terengganu. However, March 18 will not be a public holiday in Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Malaysian Financial Market Holiday March 18 Bernama News Agency (Johor Baru) Bursa Malaysia has announced that Malaysia's financial markets would be closed on Tuesday, March 18, 2025, "in observance of the Nuzul Al-Quran public holiday", but that "the stock exchange and its subsidiaries will resume normal operations on March 19". The Nuzul Al-Quran public holiday is observed as an annual state public holiday in the Malaysian States and Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur, Selangor, Putrajaya, Labuan, Kelantan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Penang, and Terengganu. However, March 18 will not be a public holiday in Johor, Kedah, Melaka, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, and Sarawak.
Maldives Extends Eid al-Fitr Public Holidays Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has issued the Directive No. 6/2025 declaring the week of this year's Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) as a government holiday. As per the aforementioned directive, whether the Ministry of Islamic Affairs announces the first day of Shawwal on March 30 or March 31, the Eid holidays will last until April 3, regardless "to ensure employees can enjoy uninterrupted holidays and spend more time with their families during Eid al-Fitr", followed by the Friday-Saturday weekend, with government offices reopening on April 6, 2025. Recall that, earlier this week, President Muizzu announced that the last ten days of Ramadan, "beginning from March 20th onward", would be public holidays, and that "all government offices will remain closed for this period". That earlier announcement had stemmed from the 2024 announcement by President Muizzu that all government offices and state institutions would be closed during the last ten days of Ramadan, as had been promised during last summer's election campaign, "to foster Islamic values within the community as well as to encourage the public to enhance their engagement in religious practices".
Maldives Extends Eid al-Fitr Public Holidays Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The President of the Maldives, Mohamed Muizzu, has issued the Directive No. 6/2025 declaring the week of this year's Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan) as a government holiday. As per the aforementioned directive, whether the Ministry of Islamic Affairs announces the first day of Shawwal on March 30 or March 31, the Eid holidays will last until April 3, regardless "to ensure employees can enjoy uninterrupted holidays and spend more time with their families during Eid al-Fitr", followed by the Friday-Saturday weekend, with government offices reopening on April 6, 2025. Recall that, earlier this week, President Muizzu announced that the last ten days of Ramadan, "beginning from March 20th onward", would be public holidays, and that "all government offices will remain closed for this period". That earlier announcement had stemmed from the 2024 announcement by President Muizzu that all government offices and state institutions would be closed during the last ten days of Ramadan, as had been promised during last summer's election campaign, "to foster Islamic values within the community as well as to encourage the public to enhance their engagement in religious practices".
South Korea Mulls May 2 Temporary Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) There are mounting calls for the South Korean Government to declare Friday, May 2, 2025, as a temporary (bridge) public holiday to link the May 1st public holiday with the subsequent May 3-4 weekend and the ensuing May 5-6 public holidays for Children's Day and Buddha's Birthday. Recall that, last January, the South Korean cabinet approved the declaration of Monday, January 27, 2025, as a temporary public holiday to link the then upcoming Seol-nal Lunar New Year holidays with the preceding weekend. Over the years, South Korea has declared bridge public holidays on a few occasions. In 2023, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared Monday, October 2, 2023, a bridge public holiday to link the end of the Chuseok public holidays with the subsequent National Foundation Day public holiday. In 2017, the Government of South Korea declared Monday, October 2, 2017, as a temporary public holiday to link the 2017 Chuseok South Korean public holiday with the preceding weekend. In 2015, the South Korean government declared Friday, August 14, 2015, the day before the National Liberation Day public holiday as a temporary public holiday due to the Liberation Day public holiday falling on a Saturday in 2015.
South Korea Mulls May 2 Temporary Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) There are mounting calls for the South Korean Government to declare Friday, May 2, 2025, as a temporary (bridge) public holiday to link the May 1st public holiday with the subsequent May 3-4 weekend and the ensuing May 5-6 public holidays for Children's Day and Buddha's Birthday. Recall that, last January, the South Korean cabinet approved the declaration of Monday, January 27, 2025, as a temporary public holiday to link the then upcoming Seol-nal Lunar New Year holidays with the preceding weekend. Over the years, South Korea has declared bridge public holidays on a few occasions. In 2023, President Yoon Suk Yeol declared Monday, October 2, 2023, a bridge public holiday to link the end of the Chuseok public holidays with the subsequent National Foundation Day public holiday. In 2017, the Government of South Korea declared Monday, October 2, 2017, as a temporary public holiday to link the 2017 Chuseok South Korean public holiday with the preceding weekend. In 2015, the South Korean government declared Friday, August 14, 2015, the day before the National Liberation Day public holiday as a temporary public holiday due to the Liberation Day public holiday falling on a Saturday in 2015.
Uttarakhand Extends Holi Public Holidays To March 15 Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The Chief Minister of India's State Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has declared an additional public holiday for Pahari Holi, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, on account of this year's Holi celebrations. As per the aforementioned notification,this holiday will be applicable in all government and non-government offices, educational institutions, and schools of the state. However, this holiday will not apply to banks, treasuries, and sub-treasuries. The aforementioned declaration of a public sector holiday on Saturday, March 15, 2025, thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No.1958/xxxi(15)G/24-74/2016 of last December, and in which Thursday and Friday, March 13 and 14, 2025, were already listed as Holikan Dahan and Holi, both statewide public holidays.
Uttarakhand Extends Holi Public Holidays To March 15 Government of Uttarakhand (Dehradun) The Chief Minister of India's State Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami, has declared an additional public holiday for Pahari Holi, on Saturday, March 15, 2025, on account of this year's Holi celebrations. As per the aforementioned notification,this holiday will be applicable in all government and non-government offices, educational institutions, and schools of the state. However, this holiday will not apply to banks, treasuries, and sub-treasuries. The aforementioned declaration of a public sector holiday on Saturday, March 15, 2025, thus amends the list of 2025 public holidays in Uttarakhand as contained in the vide notification No.1958/xxxi(15)G/24-74/2016 of last December, and in which Thursday and Friday, March 13 and 14, 2025, were already listed as Holikan Dahan and Holi, both statewide public holidays.
Bhutan To Address Public Holidays Disparities Kuensel (Thimphu) The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) of Bhutan has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the growing concerns of employees in the hospitality and retail sectors regarding public holiday disparities. Recall that in a 2023 assessment conducted by the Department of Labour involving 423 employees and 111 employers from the hospitality sector, 44% of employees reported that they did not receive public holidays, though 76% of these employees were offered substitute days, but only 5% received monetary compensation for working on designated public holidays, as mandated by the Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan 2007.
Bhutan To Address Public Holidays Disparities Kuensel (Thimphu) The Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment (MoICE) of Bhutan has announced a series of measures aimed at addressing the growing concerns of employees in the hospitality and retail sectors regarding public holiday disparities. Recall that in a 2023 assessment conducted by the Department of Labour involving 423 employees and 111 employers from the hospitality sector, 44% of employees reported that they did not receive public holidays, though 76% of these employees were offered substitute days, but only 5% received monetary compensation for working on designated public holidays, as mandated by the Labour and Employment Act of Bhutan 2007.
Kuwait Announces 2025 Eid al Fitr Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers has announced public sector holidays for all ministries, governmental bodies, and public institutions, on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. As per the aforementioned announcement, "if it is proven that the first day of Eid Al-Fitr is Sunday (March 30), with work resuming on Wednesday April 2" but "if it is proven that the first day of Eid Al-Fitr is Monday (March 31), work will be suspended for five days starting Sunday (March 30), and will resume on Sunday (April 6)". The second case would correspond to there being a 30th of Ramadan, as was the case in 2024, when Ramadan 30 (April 9) was declared a government-only public holiday in Kuwait. However, we expect Kuwait to announce March 30th as the first day of the month of Shawwal. In line with what many other Gulf States have been doing, namely Saudi Arabia, the 2025 Eid Al Fitr public sector holidays in Kuwait are markedly reduced as compared to past years, such as 2022 when the Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission (CSC) declared 9 consecutive days of public sector holidays, as well as many other years before that. Recall that, since 2007, weekends in Kuwait are observed on Friday and Saturday.
Kuwait Announces 2025 Eid al Fitr Public Holidays Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Council of Ministers has announced public sector holidays for all ministries, governmental bodies, and public institutions, on the occasion of Eid Al-Fitr. As per the aforementioned announcement, "if it is proven that the first day of Eid Al-Fitr is Sunday (March 30), with work resuming on Wednesday April 2" but "if it is proven that the first day of Eid Al-Fitr is Monday (March 31), work will be suspended for five days starting Sunday (March 30), and will resume on Sunday (April 6)". The second case would correspond to there being a 30th of Ramadan, as was the case in 2024, when Ramadan 30 (April 9) was declared a government-only public holiday in Kuwait. However, we expect Kuwait to announce March 30th as the first day of the month of Shawwal. In line with what many other Gulf States have been doing, namely Saudi Arabia, the 2025 Eid Al Fitr public sector holidays in Kuwait are markedly reduced as compared to past years, such as 2022 when the Kuwaiti Civil Service Commission (CSC) declared 9 consecutive days of public sector holidays, as well as many other years before that. Recall that, since 2007, weekends in Kuwait are observed on Friday and Saturday.
