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Pakistan Bank Holiday September 17 The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a BPRD Circular Letter No. 17 of 2024 announcing that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), allied offices and public and private sector financial institutions "will remain closed on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, being a public holiday on the occasion of Independence Day as declared by the Government of Pakistan". Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan, of a date change for the upcoming Prophet's Birthday bank holiday, is in line with yesterday's decision by the Government of Pakistan, and thus amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2024 published by the Government of Pakistan late last year.
Pakistan Bank Holiday September 17 The State Bank of Pakistan (Karachi) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued a BPRD Circular Letter No. 17 of 2024 announcing that the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), allied offices and public and private sector financial institutions "will remain closed on Wednesday, August 14, 2024, being a public holiday on the occasion of Independence Day as declared by the Government of Pakistan". Today's announcement by the State Bank of Pakistan, of a date change for the upcoming Prophet's Birthday bank holiday, is in line with yesterday's decision by the Government of Pakistan, and thus amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2024 published by the Government of Pakistan late last year.
Sabah Rules-Out September 17 Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kota Kinabalu) The Chief Minister of Malaysia's State of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, has announced that, although "This year’s Malaysia Day, a public holiday coincides with Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday), also a public holiday on September 16", nonetheless "the State Cabinet has decided that there will be no public holiday replacement for the next day for the public sector", leaving the question of such a replacement public holiday for the private sector "up to the discretion of employers". Recall that, early last month, the Human Resources Ministry's Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia clarified that Malaysia Day on September 16 is a compulsory public holiday but that Prophet Muhammad's Birthday is an optional public holiday and that, at the national or state level there is to be no additional public holiday on September 17, 2024, due to the upcoming conflict between Malaysia Day and the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Maulidur Rasul) on Monday, September 16, 2024. Today's clarification is due to the peculiarities of Malaysia's public holidays legislation, even in the case of national public holidays declarations, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak must officially declare these national public holidays separately.
Sabah Rules-Out September 17 Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kota Kinabalu) The Chief Minister of Malaysia's State of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Hajiji Noor, has announced that, although "This year’s Malaysia Day, a public holiday coincides with Maulidur Rasul (Prophet Muhammad’s birthday), also a public holiday on September 16", nonetheless "the State Cabinet has decided that there will be no public holiday replacement for the next day for the public sector", leaving the question of such a replacement public holiday for the private sector "up to the discretion of employers". Recall that, early last month, the Human Resources Ministry's Department of Labour Peninsular Malaysia clarified that Malaysia Day on September 16 is a compulsory public holiday but that Prophet Muhammad's Birthday is an optional public holiday and that, at the national or state level there is to be no additional public holiday on September 17, 2024, due to the upcoming conflict between Malaysia Day and the Birthday of Prophet Muhammad (Maulidur Rasul) on Monday, September 16, 2024. Today's clarification is due to the peculiarities of Malaysia's public holidays legislation, even in the case of national public holidays declarations, the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak must officially declare these national public holidays separately.
Bangladesh Prophet's Birthday September 16 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Earlier tonight, Bangladesh's National Moon-Sighting Committee announced that the Moon crescent of Rabiul Awal of 1446 Hijri had been sighted and therefore that the Eid-e-Miladunnabi (the Prophet's Birthday) would be celebrated in Bangladesh on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Bangladesh Prophet's Birthday September 16 Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Earlier tonight, Bangladesh's National Moon-Sighting Committee announced that the Moon crescent of Rabiul Awal of 1446 Hijri had been sighted and therefore that the Eid-e-Miladunnabi (the Prophet's Birthday) would be celebrated in Bangladesh on Monday, September 16, 2024.
Chile Considers Establishing Regional Public Holidays Tramitación de proyectos (Congreso Nacional de Chile) Chilean President, Gabriel Boric, has followed-up on last July's initiative and introduced a Bill to establish 16 new permanent regional holidays, all the while canceling the annual national public holiday of October 12 (formerly named Día de la Raza and renamed Encuentro de Dos Mundos since 2010). As per the Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, Álvaro Elizalde, "the objective of the project is to have a permanent regulation in which each region will have a holiday according to its history and traditions". Today's bill stems from last summer's legislative initiative whose relevant articles read; "Articulo 1°.- Declárase feriado legal un día al año, para cada región del país, y deróganse las leyes N 20.663, 20.768 y 3.810. La fecha y denominación de cada feriado regional será establecida mediante Decreto Supremo del Presidente de la República, a propuesta del respectivo Gobierno Regional previo acuerdo del Consejo Regional, de conformidad a lo establecido en esta ley." and "Artículo 3°.- Suprímese, en el artículo único de la ley N°19.668, la frase “12 de octubre, día del descubrimiento de dos mundos".
Chile Considers Establishing Regional Public Holidays Tramitación de proyectos (Congreso Nacional de Chile) Chilean President, Gabriel Boric, has followed-up on last July's initiative and introduced a Bill to establish 16 new permanent regional holidays, all the while canceling the annual national public holiday of October 12 (formerly named Día de la Raza and renamed Encuentro de Dos Mundos since 2010). As per the Minister of the General Secretariat of the Presidency, Álvaro Elizalde, "the objective of the project is to have a permanent regulation in which each region will have a holiday according to its history and traditions". Today's bill stems from last summer's legislative initiative whose relevant articles read; "Articulo 1°.- Declárase feriado legal un día al año, para cada región del país, y deróganse las leyes N 20.663, 20.768 y 3.810. La fecha y denominación de cada feriado regional será establecida mediante Decreto Supremo del Presidente de la República, a propuesta del respectivo Gobierno Regional previo acuerdo del Consejo Regional, de conformidad a lo establecido en esta ley." and "Artículo 3°.- Suprímese, en el artículo único de la ley N°19.668, la frase “12 de octubre, día del descubrimiento de dos mundos".
Haryana Moves Electoral Public Holiday To October 5th Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) As we had surmised, the Government of India's state of Haryana has released the vide notification No.Elect-2024/IR-II/PSCE/Hol/23194 which moves the one-off electoral public holiday of October 1st, 2024, declared at the end of last month, to Saturday, October 5, 2024. As per the aforementioned vide notification, signed by the Special Secretary to the Labour Department of the Government Haryana, Mani Ram Sharma, "earlier notification of the Labour Department issued vide no. Elec-2024/IR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 dated 28.08.2024 is being withdrawn" and "The Governor of Haryana, by exercising his powers conferred by Section 28 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 (Punjab Act 15 of 1958) and all other enabling powers, hereby fixes the 05.10.2024 Saturday to be the holiday with wages for all Shops and Commercial Establishments falling with the jurisdiction of the State of Haryana for only those who are enrolled as voters in the State of Haryana to enable them to cast their vote". Recall that, late last month, the Haryana Government had released the vide notification No. Elec-2024lIR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 declaring a paid public holiday on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly, followed a couple of days later by the vide notification No.FW/Election /2024/3117, which extended the scope of that public holiday to also include "all adult workers working in factories". But, then, at the very end of August, the Election Commission of India released the vide notification No. ECI/PN/132/2024 changing the date of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana, from October 1st to October 5, 2024.
Haryana Moves Electoral Public Holiday To October 5th Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) As we had surmised, the Government of India's state of Haryana has released the vide notification No.Elect-2024/IR-II/PSCE/Hol/23194 which moves the one-off electoral public holiday of October 1st, 2024, declared at the end of last month, to Saturday, October 5, 2024. As per the aforementioned vide notification, signed by the Special Secretary to the Labour Department of the Government Haryana, Mani Ram Sharma, "earlier notification of the Labour Department issued vide no. Elec-2024/IR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 dated 28.08.2024 is being withdrawn" and "The Governor of Haryana, by exercising his powers conferred by Section 28 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 (Punjab Act 15 of 1958) and all other enabling powers, hereby fixes the 05.10.2024 Saturday to be the holiday with wages for all Shops and Commercial Establishments falling with the jurisdiction of the State of Haryana for only those who are enrolled as voters in the State of Haryana to enable them to cast their vote". Recall that, late last month, the Haryana Government had released the vide notification No. Elec-2024lIR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 declaring a paid public holiday on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly, followed a couple of days later by the vide notification No.FW/Election /2024/3117, which extended the scope of that public holiday to also include "all adult workers working in factories". But, then, at the very end of August, the Election Commission of India released the vide notification No. ECI/PN/132/2024 changing the date of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana, from October 1st to October 5, 2024.
Jordan Public Holiday For Prophet Mohammad's Birthday September 16 Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian Prime Minister, Bisher Al-Khasawneh, has announced that the upcoming public holiday for Prophet Mohammad's birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) would be observed on Monday, September 16, 2024, and that this suspension of work would apply to "all ministries, official departments, public institutions and bodies, official universities, municipalities, joint services councils, the Greater Amman Municipality, and companies fully owned by the government". As usual, the above may seem to indicate that the announcement does not apply to the private sector. However, recall that, back in October 2020, the then spokesperson for the Jordanian Ministry of Labour, Mohammad al-Zyoud, had clarified that "all official and religious holidays in Jordan include both public and private sectors" adding that "According to article 59 of the Labour Law, which clarifies the mechanism for making the employer work on his weekly, religious or public holidays, official communications issued for this purpose include private sector institutions without mentioning them in the communications.". This clarification was reiterated by the Jordanian Ministry of Labour many times, since then, most recently in late May, June, and July 2024.
Jordan Public Holiday For Prophet Mohammad's Birthday September 16 Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordanian Prime Minister, Bisher Al-Khasawneh, has announced that the upcoming public holiday for Prophet Mohammad's birthday (Mawlid al-Nabi) would be observed on Monday, September 16, 2024, and that this suspension of work would apply to "all ministries, official departments, public institutions and bodies, official universities, municipalities, joint services councils, the Greater Amman Municipality, and companies fully owned by the government". As usual, the above may seem to indicate that the announcement does not apply to the private sector. However, recall that, back in October 2020, the then spokesperson for the Jordanian Ministry of Labour, Mohammad al-Zyoud, had clarified that "all official and religious holidays in Jordan include both public and private sectors" adding that "According to article 59 of the Labour Law, which clarifies the mechanism for making the employer work on his weekly, religious or public holidays, official communications issued for this purpose include private sector institutions without mentioning them in the communications.". This clarification was reiterated by the Jordanian Ministry of Labour many times, since then, most recently in late May, June, and July 2024.
Pakistan Moves Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday To September 17 Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) Pakistan's Moon sighting committee, chaired by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, at a meeting also attended by representatives from SUPARCO, the Meteorological Department, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, has announced that the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon had not been sighted anywhere in Pakistan and therefore that Eid Milad-un-Nabi (the Prophet's Birthday) would be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The date of September 17 thus amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2024 published by the Federal Government of Pakistan, last December.
Pakistan Moves Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday To September 17 Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) Pakistan's Moon sighting committee, chaired by Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Chairman Maulana Abdul Khabeer Azad, at a meeting also attended by representatives from SUPARCO, the Meteorological Department, and the Ministry of Science and Technology, has announced that the Rabi-ul-Awwal moon had not been sighted anywhere in Pakistan and therefore that Eid Milad-un-Nabi (the Prophet's Birthday) would be celebrated on Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The date of September 17 thus amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Pakistan, as announced in the Public and Optional Holidays for the calendar year 2024 published by the Federal Government of Pakistan, last December.
Pakistan Rules-Out September 6 Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Ministry of Information of the Federal government of Pakistan has issued a statement denying that September 6, 2024, had been declared a one-off public holiday in Pakistan. As per the aforementioned statement, "The notification circulating on social media regarding the public holiday on September 6 Defence Day is fake". September 6, Defence Day, is observed in Pakistan to commemorate the 1965 war, but it is a regular working day.
Pakistan Rules-Out September 6 Public Holiday Associated Press Of Pakistan (Islamabad) The Ministry of Information of the Federal government of Pakistan has issued a statement denying that September 6, 2024, had been declared a one-off public holiday in Pakistan. As per the aforementioned statement, "The notification circulating on social media regarding the public holiday on September 6 Defence Day is fake". September 6, Defence Day, is observed in Pakistan to commemorate the 1965 war, but it is a regular working day.
Telangana Moves Milad-un-Nabi Public Holiday To September 17 Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) The Government of India's State of Telangana has moved the upcoming public holiday for Milad-un-Nabi (the Prophet's Birthday) from Monday, September 16, to Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The aforementioned change of date of the public holiday for the Prophet's Birthday, thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Telangana contained in the vide notification G.O.Rt. No.1633 of last December.
Telangana Moves Milad-un-Nabi Public Holiday To September 17 Government of Telangana (Hyderabad) The Government of India's State of Telangana has moved the upcoming public holiday for Milad-un-Nabi (the Prophet's Birthday) from Monday, September 16, to Tuesday, September 17, 2024. The aforementioned change of date of the public holiday for the Prophet's Birthday, thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Telangana contained in the vide notification G.O.Rt. No.1633 of last December.
Botswana Declares Electoral Public Holidays Botswana Press Agency (Gaborone) In a television address, earlier today, Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced that the current parliament of Botswana is set to be dissolved on September 5, and that "the two days of voting, October 30 and 31, will be designated as public holidays to encourage widespread participation". The aforementioned announcement of one-off public holidays on October 30 and 31, 2024, thus further amends the list of official non-working public holidays in Botswana for the calendar year 2024, which was announced, earlier this year. Such one-off declaration of public holidays in Botswana are rather rare, and are usually limited to electoral occasions, as was the case in 2019 when then President Mokgweetsi declared Wednesday to Friday, October 23-25, 2019, as non-working public holidays, followed by the Central Bank of Botswana which announced that October 23-24-25, 2019, would be one-off bank holidays as well. In 2014, then president Ian Khama, in his statement at the final session of the 10th Parliament, announced that the date of the upcoming General Election would be Friday, October 24, 2014, and that this date would once again be declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Botswana. Similarly, in 2009, Botswana's then Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Margaret Nasha, announced that the upcoming election day, Friday, October 16, 2009, would be a public holiday.
Botswana Declares Electoral Public Holidays Botswana Press Agency (Gaborone) In a television address, earlier today, Botswanan President Mokgweetsi Masisi announced that the current parliament of Botswana is set to be dissolved on September 5, and that "the two days of voting, October 30 and 31, will be designated as public holidays to encourage widespread participation". The aforementioned announcement of one-off public holidays on October 30 and 31, 2024, thus further amends the list of official non-working public holidays in Botswana for the calendar year 2024, which was announced, earlier this year. Such one-off declaration of public holidays in Botswana are rather rare, and are usually limited to electoral occasions, as was the case in 2019 when then President Mokgweetsi declared Wednesday to Friday, October 23-25, 2019, as non-working public holidays, followed by the Central Bank of Botswana which announced that October 23-24-25, 2019, would be one-off bank holidays as well. In 2014, then president Ian Khama, in his statement at the final session of the 10th Parliament, announced that the date of the upcoming General Election would be Friday, October 24, 2014, and that this date would once again be declared a one-off non-working public holiday in Botswana. Similarly, in 2009, Botswana's then Minister of Presidential Affairs and Public Administration, Margaret Nasha, announced that the upcoming election day, Friday, October 16, 2009, would be a public holiday.
Macedonia Extends Independence Day Public Holidays Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Macedonia (Skopje) Macedonia's Ministry of Labour and Social Policy has announced that, based on the Law on Holidays of the Republic of Macedonia (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 21/98 and 18/07), Monday, September 9, 2024, will be a non-working day in the Republic of North Macedonia "due to the fact that September 8 - Independence Day of the Republic is on Sunday". The aforementioned announcement is in line with the dates contained in last October's list of official non-working public holidays in Macedonia and Macedonian bank holidays for the calendar year 2024 (Programa na nerabotni denovi za 2024 godina - Програма на неработни денови за 2024 година).
Macedonia Extends Independence Day Public Holidays Ministry of Labour and Social Policy of the Republic of Macedonia (Skopje) Macedonia's Ministry of Labour and Social Policy has announced that, based on the Law on Holidays of the Republic of Macedonia (Official Gazette of the Republic of Macedonia No. 21/98 and 18/07), Monday, September 9, 2024, will be a non-working day in the Republic of North Macedonia "due to the fact that September 8 - Independence Day of the Republic is on Sunday". The aforementioned announcement is in line with the dates contained in last October's list of official non-working public holidays in Macedonia and Macedonian bank holidays for the calendar year 2024 (Programa na nerabotni denovi za 2024 godina - Програма на неработни денови за 2024 година).
Morocco Declares September 16 As Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) Earlier tonight, the ministère des Habous et des Affaires islamiques of the government of Morocco has announced that it had not succeeded in observing the crescent Moon and therefore that Thursday, September 5, 2024, would be the first day of the month of Rabie-I and hence the date of the Aïd Al Mawlid Annabaoui (the Prophet's Birthday) would be Monday, September 16, 2024. Note that a differential exists between the non-working public holidays in Morocco for the public sector, and the non-working public holidays in Morocco for the private sector, regulated by Article 217 of the loi n° 65-99 relative au code du travail and the Décret n° 2-04-426 du 16 kaada 1425 (29 décembre 2004) fixant la liste des jours de fêtes payés dans les entreprises industrielles et commerciales, les professions libérales et les exploitations agricoles et forestières. The Moroccan public sector gets an additional day off on the occasion of many of the Muslim holidays.
Morocco Declares September 16 As Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday Agence Maroc Arabe Presse (Rabat) Earlier tonight, the ministère des Habous et des Affaires islamiques of the government of Morocco has announced that it had not succeeded in observing the crescent Moon and therefore that Thursday, September 5, 2024, would be the first day of the month of Rabie-I and hence the date of the Aïd Al Mawlid Annabaoui (the Prophet's Birthday) would be Monday, September 16, 2024. Note that a differential exists between the non-working public holidays in Morocco for the public sector, and the non-working public holidays in Morocco for the private sector, regulated by Article 217 of the loi n° 65-99 relative au code du travail and the Décret n° 2-04-426 du 16 kaada 1425 (29 décembre 2004) fixant la liste des jours de fêtes payés dans les entreprises industrielles et commerciales, les professions libérales et les exploitations agricoles et forestières. The Moroccan public sector gets an additional day off on the occasion of many of the Muslim holidays.
South Korea Declares October 1st Temporary Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Earlier today, the South Korean government cabinet designated Tuesday, October 1, 2024, as a one-off temporary public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day. The motion was sent to President Yoon Suk Yeol for approval, which was granted later in the day. As per Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, "By designating this year's Armed Forces Day as a temporary holiday, the government plans to heighten public interest in the importance of national security and remember the role of our armed forces and the hard work of our troops". Armed Forces Day was celebrated as a public holiday until 1991. Late last month, South Korea's ruling ruling People Power Party had requested that the government declare October 1, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day. Almost immediately, the opposition Democratic Party of Korea had voiced its opposition to that proposed one-off public holiday, due to October 1st also being the date of the establishment of the Japanese Government-General of Korea on October 1st, 1910
South Korea Declares October 1st Temporary Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) Earlier today, the South Korean government cabinet designated Tuesday, October 1, 2024, as a one-off temporary public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day. The motion was sent to President Yoon Suk Yeol for approval, which was granted later in the day. As per Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, "By designating this year's Armed Forces Day as a temporary holiday, the government plans to heighten public interest in the importance of national security and remember the role of our armed forces and the hard work of our troops". Armed Forces Day was celebrated as a public holiday until 1991. Late last month, South Korea's ruling ruling People Power Party had requested that the government declare October 1, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day. Almost immediately, the opposition Democratic Party of Korea had voiced its opposition to that proposed one-off public holiday, due to October 1st also being the date of the establishment of the Japanese Government-General of Korea on October 1st, 1910
Cambodia 2025 Public Holidays Announced Cabinet of the Prime Minister of Cambodia (Phnom Penh) Cambodia's Prime Minister, Hun Manet, has signed a sub-decree establishing Cambodia's annual list of official non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025. The aforementioned announcement includes the December 29, Peace Day, annual public holiday declared in the Royal Government Sub-Decree No. 01, dated January 1, 2024, and announced the day before. Recall that, since 2022, public holidays that fall on a Sunday are no longer moved to the following Monday in Cambodia, as per the 2021 Law on the amendment of Article 123, Article 138, Article 162, Article 300, Article 343, Article 350, Article 363 and Article 367 of the 1997 Labour Law.
Cambodia 2025 Public Holidays Announced Cabinet of the Prime Minister of Cambodia (Phnom Penh) Cambodia's Prime Minister, Hun Manet, has signed a sub-decree establishing Cambodia's annual list of official non-working public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025. The aforementioned announcement includes the December 29, Peace Day, annual public holiday declared in the Royal Government Sub-Decree No. 01, dated January 1, 2024, and announced the day before. Recall that, since 2022, public holidays that fall on a Sunday are no longer moved to the following Monday in Cambodia, as per the 2021 Law on the amendment of Article 123, Article 138, Article 162, Article 300, Article 343, Article 350, Article 363 and Article 367 of the 1997 Labour Law.
Indonesia Rules-Out September 3-6 Public Holidays Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) The acting governor of Indonesia's capital Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, has denied the veracity of a viral and fake facebook which read "Announcement from the Jakarta Governor, on September 3-6, 2024, holiday for Jakarta only because of the arrival of the state's guest", referring to the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia. The list of 2024 public holiday in Indonesia were set in the the September 2023 Joint Decree (SKB) of the Minister of Religion, Minister of Manpower, Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform Number 855 of 2023, Number 3 of 2023, Number 4 of 2023 concerning National Holidays and Collective Leave in 2024. Note that neighboring Timor Leste's did declare, in mid-August, public sector holidays for Monday to Wednesday, September 9-11, 2024 to coincide with the visit of Pope Francis to Timor Leste.
Indonesia Rules-Out September 3-6 Public Holidays Situs Resmi Kementerian Koordinator Bidang Kesejahteraan Rakyat (Jakarta) The acting governor of Indonesia's capital Jakarta, Heru Budi Hartono, has denied the veracity of a viral and fake facebook which read "Announcement from the Jakarta Governor, on September 3-6, 2024, holiday for Jakarta only because of the arrival of the state's guest", referring to the upcoming visit of Pope Francis to Indonesia. The list of 2024 public holiday in Indonesia were set in the the September 2023 Joint Decree (SKB) of the Minister of Religion, Minister of Manpower, Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform Number 855 of 2023, Number 3 of 2023, Number 4 of 2023 concerning National Holidays and Collective Leave in 2024. Note that neighboring Timor Leste's did declare, in mid-August, public sector holidays for Monday to Wednesday, September 9-11, 2024 to coincide with the visit of Pope Francis to Timor Leste.
Punjab Declares Local Public Holiday For First Parkash Gurpurab Of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Indian State of Punjab has declared a local public holiday in the Amritsar district on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, on account of the upcoming First Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As per the aforementioned announcement, made by an official spokesperson of the State Government, "all the offices of the Punjab Government, boards/corporations and government educational institutions will remain closed on Wednesday (September 04, 2024), in Amritsar district". The aforementioned declaration of Wednesday, September 4, 2024, as a local public holiday thus partially amends last December's Government vide notification No. 06/03/2023/ 2PP3/702 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Punjab for the calendar year 2024.
Punjab Declares Local Public Holiday For First Parkash Gurpurab Of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji Government of Punjab (Chandigarh) The Indian State of Punjab has declared a local public holiday in the Amritsar district on Wednesday, September 4, 2024, on account of the upcoming First Parkash Gurpurab of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji. As per the aforementioned announcement, made by an official spokesperson of the State Government, "all the offices of the Punjab Government, boards/corporations and government educational institutions will remain closed on Wednesday (September 04, 2024), in Amritsar district". The aforementioned declaration of Wednesday, September 4, 2024, as a local public holiday thus partially amends last December's Government vide notification No. 06/03/2023/ 2PP3/702 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Punjab for the calendar year 2024.
Sri Lankan 2025 Public Holidays Gazetted The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Colombo) The government of Sri Lanka has issued a gazette notification containing the list of public and bank holidays for the year 2025. The aforementioned Gazette notification was authorized and signed by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his capacity as the Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs. Today's gazette publication confirms the terms of last July's announcement by the Ministry of Public Administration, Horne Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government of Sri Lanka of the public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 to be published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2395/33 in the Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankan 2025 Public Holidays Gazetted The Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka (Colombo) The government of Sri Lanka has issued a gazette notification containing the list of public and bank holidays for the year 2025. The aforementioned Gazette notification was authorized and signed by Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena in his capacity as the Minister of Public Administration and Home Affairs. Today's gazette publication confirms the terms of last July's announcement by the Ministry of Public Administration, Horne Affairs and Provincial Councils and Local Government of Sri Lanka of the public holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 to be published in the Extraordinary Gazette No. 2395/33 in the Gazette of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Haryana Moves Elections To October 5th Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The Election Commission of India has released the vide notification No. ECI/PN/132/2024 changing the date of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "representations have been received from National Political Parties, State Political Party and All India Bishnoi Mahasabha regarding mass movement of people of Bishnoi community of Haryana to Rajasthan to participate in centuries old Asoj Amavasya festival celebration. It may deny voting rights to large number of people and may lead to reduce voters’ participation in general election to legislative assembly of Haryana" and therefore "The Commission, having considered these representations, has decided to change the date of poll only for Haryana from 1st October, 2024 (Tuesday) to 5th October, 2024 (Saturday)". The mention only for Haryana (in bold in the notification) stems from the fact that, initially, the October 1st elections had been set for Hayana and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (whose election date remains unchanged). Recall that, at the beginning of this week, the Haryana Government released the vide notification No. Elec-2024lIR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 declaring a paid public holiday ("holiday with wages") on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 for all shops and commercial establishments, on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly, and a couple of days later the Haryana Government released the vide notification No.FW/Election /2024/3117, which extended the scope of the October 1st, 2024, public holiday to also include "all adult workers working in factories". We expect today's change of date of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections to be followed by a change in the date of the corresponding one-off public holiday.
Haryana Moves Elections To October 5th Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The Election Commission of India has released the vide notification No. ECI/PN/132/2024 changing the date of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana. As per the aforementioned vide notification, "representations have been received from National Political Parties, State Political Party and All India Bishnoi Mahasabha regarding mass movement of people of Bishnoi community of Haryana to Rajasthan to participate in centuries old Asoj Amavasya festival celebration. It may deny voting rights to large number of people and may lead to reduce voters’ participation in general election to legislative assembly of Haryana" and therefore "The Commission, having considered these representations, has decided to change the date of poll only for Haryana from 1st October, 2024 (Tuesday) to 5th October, 2024 (Saturday)". The mention only for Haryana (in bold in the notification) stems from the fact that, initially, the October 1st elections had been set for Hayana and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (whose election date remains unchanged). Recall that, at the beginning of this week, the Haryana Government released the vide notification No. Elec-2024lIR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 declaring a paid public holiday ("holiday with wages") on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 for all shops and commercial establishments, on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly, and a couple of days later the Haryana Government released the vide notification No.FW/Election /2024/3117, which extended the scope of the October 1st, 2024, public holiday to also include "all adult workers working in factories". We expect today's change of date of the upcoming Legislative Assembly elections to be followed by a change in the date of the corresponding one-off public holiday.
Nicaragua Extends Fiestas Patrias Public Holidays Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab) has announced that the Government of Nicaragua had declared Monday, September 16, 2024, as a public holiday, as the annual September 14 and 15 public holidays of Nicaragua commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto and Nicaragua's Independence from Spain fall on a weekend ("Since Sunday, September 15th coincides with the seventh day in accordance with article 68 of the Labor Code, this will be compensated with Monday, September 16th of this year and the worker who works will be paid as an extraordinary day of work"). Additionally, the period from September 14-22, 2024, have been declared as public holidays for Nicaragua's state workers ("By Instruction of the President of the Republic of Nicaragua Commander Daniel Ortega Saavedra in use of his powers, contained in article 66 of the Labor Code, a paid holiday is hereby declared from Tuesday, September 17 to Sunday, September 22, 2024, for Public Sector workers, who will return to their regular work on Tuesday, September 23, 2024"). Nicaragua's Government has similarly declared weeklong Fiestas Patrias public sector holidays since 2020. And, in 2019, the Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15, 2019, non-working public holidays had been extended by 2 days, Monday and Tuesday, September 16 and 17, 2019.
Nicaragua Extends Fiestas Patrias Public Holidays Ministerio del Trabajo de Nicaragua (MITRAB) Nicaragua's Ministry of Labor (Mitrab) has announced that the Government of Nicaragua had declared Monday, September 16, 2024, as a public holiday, as the annual September 14 and 15 public holidays of Nicaragua commemorating the Battle of San Jacinto and Nicaragua's Independence from Spain fall on a weekend ("Since Sunday, September 15th coincides with the seventh day in accordance with article 68 of the Labor Code, this will be compensated with Monday, September 16th of this year and the worker who works will be paid as an extraordinary day of work"). Additionally, the period from September 14-22, 2024, have been declared as public holidays for Nicaragua's state workers ("By Instruction of the President of the Republic of Nicaragua Commander Daniel Ortega Saavedra in use of his powers, contained in article 66 of the Labor Code, a paid holiday is hereby declared from Tuesday, September 17 to Sunday, September 22, 2024, for Public Sector workers, who will return to their regular work on Tuesday, September 23, 2024"). Nicaragua's Government has similarly declared weeklong Fiestas Patrias public sector holidays since 2020. And, in 2019, the Saturday and Sunday, September 14-15, 2019, non-working public holidays had been extended by 2 days, Monday and Tuesday, September 16 and 17, 2019.
Palau Labor Day Public Holiday September 2 Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Monday, September 2, 2024, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau on account of the upcoming annual Labor Day holiday. The aforementioned announcement that Monday, September 2, 2024, would be the date of the upcoming annual Labor Day public holiday of Palau, is in line with the list of annual non-working public holidays in Palau for the calendar year 2024 that was released by the government of Palau, late last year.
Palau Labor Day Public Holiday September 2 Palau Government (Koror) The government of Palau has announced that Monday, September 2, 2024, would be a non-working public holiday in Palau on account of the upcoming annual Labor Day holiday. The aforementioned announcement that Monday, September 2, 2024, would be the date of the upcoming annual Labor Day public holiday of Palau, is in line with the list of annual non-working public holidays in Palau for the calendar year 2024 that was released by the government of Palau, late last year.
Haryana Extends Scope Of October 1st Electoral Public Holiday Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Haryana has released the vide notification No.FW/Election/2024/3117, extending the scope of yesterday's declaration of October 1st, 2024, as a public holiday "for all adult workers working in factories", on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly. As per the aforementioned notification, signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Anand Mohan Sharan, "the Governor of Haryana is pleased to exempt all the adult workers working in the factories situated in the State of Haryana who are the voters in aforesaid General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana which is to be held on 01.10.2024", adding that "no adult worker who is enrolled as voter in aforesaid General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana shall be required or allowed to work on 01.10.2024 (Tuesday) in the factories of the state of Haryana". Recall that, yesterday, the Haryana Government released the vide notification No. Elec-2024lIR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 declaring a paid public holiday ("holiday with wages") on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 for all shops and commercial establishments, on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly. These declarations of a paid public holiday on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, further amends the terms of the General Administration Department vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-1 of last December containing the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Haryana for the upcoming calendar year 2024.
Haryana Extends Scope Of October 1st Electoral Public Holiday Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Haryana has released the vide notification No.FW/Election/2024/3117, extending the scope of yesterday's declaration of October 1st, 2024, as a public holiday "for all adult workers working in factories", on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly. As per the aforementioned notification, signed by the Additional Chief Secretary to Government, Anand Mohan Sharan, "the Governor of Haryana is pleased to exempt all the adult workers working in the factories situated in the State of Haryana who are the voters in aforesaid General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana which is to be held on 01.10.2024", adding that "no adult worker who is enrolled as voter in aforesaid General Election to the Legislative Assembly of Haryana shall be required or allowed to work on 01.10.2024 (Tuesday) in the factories of the state of Haryana". Recall that, yesterday, the Haryana Government released the vide notification No. Elec-2024lIR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 declaring a paid public holiday ("holiday with wages") on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 for all shops and commercial establishments, on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly. These declarations of a paid public holiday on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, further amends the terms of the General Administration Department vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-1 of last December containing the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Haryana for the upcoming calendar year 2024.
Jordan Clarifies Scope Of September 10 Electoral Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordan’s Minister of Government Communications, Muhannad Mubaidin, has clarified that the recently-announced one-off electoral public holiday on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, also includes "the private sector and all its institutions". Today's communique is in line with the 2020 statement by the Ministry of Labour's then spokesperson, Mohammad al-Zyoud, that "According to article 59 of the Labour Law, which clarifies the mechanism for making the employer work on his weekly, religious or public holidays, official communications issued for this purpose include private sector institutions without mentioning them in the communications.". Last April, Jordan’s independent electoral commission had announced that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Jordan would be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, leading us to forecast that that date would eventually be declared a one-off public holiday in Jordan, as the Jordanian Government regularly declares the date of elections as one-off public holidays, as was the case for the 2020, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007 parliamentary elections. However, as we pointed-out last April, the official announcement of an electoral public holiday sometimes comes at the last minute, as was the case for the last parliamentary elections for which then Jordanian Prime Minister, Bisher Khasawneh, announced on November 2nd that Tuesday, November 10, 2020, had been declared a non-working public holiday in Jordan on account of the upcoming 19th parliamentary elections.
Jordan Clarifies Scope Of September 10 Electoral Public Holiday Jordan News Agency Petra (Amman) Jordan’s Minister of Government Communications, Muhannad Mubaidin, has clarified that the recently-announced one-off electoral public holiday on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, also includes "the private sector and all its institutions". Today's communique is in line with the 2020 statement by the Ministry of Labour's then spokesperson, Mohammad al-Zyoud, that "According to article 59 of the Labour Law, which clarifies the mechanism for making the employer work on his weekly, religious or public holidays, official communications issued for this purpose include private sector institutions without mentioning them in the communications.". Last April, Jordan’s independent electoral commission had announced that the upcoming parliamentary elections in Jordan would be held on Tuesday, September 10, 2024, leading us to forecast that that date would eventually be declared a one-off public holiday in Jordan, as the Jordanian Government regularly declares the date of elections as one-off public holidays, as was the case for the 2020, 2016, 2013, 2010, and 2007 parliamentary elections. However, as we pointed-out last April, the official announcement of an electoral public holiday sometimes comes at the last minute, as was the case for the last parliamentary elections for which then Jordanian Prime Minister, Bisher Khasawneh, announced on November 2nd that Tuesday, November 10, 2020, had been declared a non-working public holiday in Jordan on account of the upcoming 19th parliamentary elections.
Odisha Extends Nuakhai Public Holiday Government of Odisha (Bhubaneswar) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's state of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has issued an official notification declaring an additional public holiday for all government offices, magisterial courts, and educational institutions, on Monday, September 9, 2024, due to Nuakhai falling on a Sunday in 2024. The aforementioned announcement thus amends the terms of last November's Government vide notification RDM-Reg-MISC-0014 -2023- 39304 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Odisha for the calendar year 2024, and which included Nuakhai as a general public holiday on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Recall that, early last month, the Chief Minister of Odishahad similarly declared an additional public holiday for government establishments on Monday, July 8, 2024, due to both Ratha Jatra and Netra Utsav falling on the same day.
Odisha Extends Nuakhai Public Holiday Government of Odisha (Bhubaneswar) The Chief Minister of the Government of India's state of Odisha, Mohan Charan Majhi, has issued an official notification declaring an additional public holiday for all government offices, magisterial courts, and educational institutions, on Monday, September 9, 2024, due to Nuakhai falling on a Sunday in 2024. The aforementioned announcement thus amends the terms of last November's Government vide notification RDM-Reg-MISC-0014 -2023- 39304 which specified the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Odisha for the calendar year 2024, and which included Nuakhai as a general public holiday on Sunday, September 8, 2024. Recall that, early last month, the Chief Minister of Odishahad similarly declared an additional public holiday for government establishments on Monday, July 8, 2024, due to both Ratha Jatra and Netra Utsav falling on the same day.
Fiji 2025 Public Holidays Announced And Gazetted Ministry of Information (Suva) The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations of Fiji has announced that the Fijian Government had approved the list of 2025 public holidays in Fiji through a gazette notice. The list of 2025 public holidays in Fiji includes the new Girmit Day public holiday, added in March 2023, as well as the Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day public holiday, canceled from 2010 to 2022. The Constitution Day public holiday, introduced in the summer of 2015 by the previous Bainimarama led government, is no longer a public holiday in Fiji, as a consequence of the above mentioned 2023 changes to Fiji's annual public holidays.
Fiji 2025 Public Holidays Announced And Gazetted Ministry of Information (Suva) The Ministry of Employment, Productivity and Industrial Relations of Fiji has announced that the Fijian Government had approved the list of 2025 public holidays in Fiji through a gazette notice. The list of 2025 public holidays in Fiji includes the new Girmit Day public holiday, added in March 2023, as well as the Ratu Sir Lala Sukuna Day public holiday, canceled from 2010 to 2022. The Constitution Day public holiday, introduced in the summer of 2015 by the previous Bainimarama led government, is no longer a public holiday in Fiji, as a consequence of the above mentioned 2023 changes to Fiji's annual public holidays.
Gabon Declares August 30 Public Holiday Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's ministre du Travail et de la lutte contre le chômage, Adrien Nguema Mba, has issued a communique declaring Tuesday, August 30, 2024, as a public holiday in the Gabon, on account of the upcoming Journée de La Libération. The aforementioned communique states that "En application du décret n°0096/PR/MCJSA du 15 février 2024, instituant la journée nationale de Libération, la journée du 30 août 2024 instituée la journée nationale de Libération est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire".
Gabon Declares August 30 Public Holiday Gouvernement de la République Gabonaise (Libreville) Gabon's ministre du Travail et de la lutte contre le chômage, Adrien Nguema Mba, has issued a communique declaring Tuesday, August 30, 2024, as a public holiday in the Gabon, on account of the upcoming Journée de La Libération. The aforementioned communique states that "En application du décret n°0096/PR/MCJSA du 15 février 2024, instituant la journée nationale de Libération, la journée du 30 août 2024 instituée la journée nationale de Libération est déclarée fériée, chômée et payée sur toute l’étendue du territoire".
Haryana Declares October 1st Electoral Public Holiday Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Haryana has released the vide notification No. Elec-2024lIR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 declaring a paid public holiday ("holiday with wages") on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 for all shops and commercial establishments, on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly. As per the aforementioned notification, signed by the Special Secretary to the Labour Department of the Haryana Government, Mani Ram Sharma, "in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 28 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 (Punjab Act 15 of 1958) and all other enabling powers, the Governor of Haryana hereby fixes "Tuesday" the 01.10.2024 to be the holiday with wages for all Shops and Commercial Establishments falling with the jurisdiction of the State of Haryana for only those who are enrolled as voters in the State of Haryana to enable them to cast their vote". The declaration of a paid public holiday on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, further amends the terms of the General Administration Department vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-1 of last December containing the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Haryana for the upcoming calendar year 2024.
Haryana Declares October 1st Electoral Public Holiday Government of Haryana (Chandigarh) The Government of India's state of Haryana has released the vide notification No. Elec-2024lIR-II/PSCE/Hol/22418 declaring a paid public holiday ("holiday with wages") on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024 for all shops and commercial establishments, on account of the upcoming General Election to the Legislative Assembly. As per the aforementioned notification, signed by the Special Secretary to the Labour Department of the Haryana Government, Mani Ram Sharma, "in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 28 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 (Punjab Act 15 of 1958) and all other enabling powers, the Governor of Haryana hereby fixes "Tuesday" the 01.10.2024 to be the holiday with wages for all Shops and Commercial Establishments falling with the jurisdiction of the State of Haryana for only those who are enrolled as voters in the State of Haryana to enable them to cast their vote". The declaration of a paid public holiday on Tuesday, October 1st, 2024, further amends the terms of the General Administration Department vide Notification No. 28/67/2008-1HR-1 of last December containing the annual list of non-working public holidays in India's state of Haryana for the upcoming calendar year 2024.
Rajasthan Declares September 5 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Rajasthan (Jaipur) The Government of India's state of Rajasthan has issued the vide notification No.16(1)V.M/2024 declaring Friday, September 5, 2024, as a one-off electoral public holiday. Today's declaration of a one-off public holiday thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Rajasthan as set out in last October's vide notification No.06(1)SA/PR/6/2022-2480.
Rajasthan Declares September 5 Electoral Public Holiday Government of Rajasthan (Jaipur) The Government of India's state of Rajasthan has issued the vide notification No.16(1)V.M/2024 declaring Friday, September 5, 2024, as a one-off electoral public holiday. Today's declaration of a one-off public holiday thus further amends the list of 2024 public holidays in Rajasthan as set out in last October's vide notification No.06(1)SA/PR/6/2022-2480.
South Korean Opposition Against October 1st Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) While the South Korean government has been busy designating October 1, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day, the opposition Democratic Party of Korea has voiced its opposition to the one-off public holiday, due to October 1st also being the date of the establishment of the Japanese Government-General of Korea on October 1st, 1910. South Korea's ruling ruling People Power Party has requested that the government declare October 1, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day.
South Korean Opposition Against October 1st Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) While the South Korean government has been busy designating October 1, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day, the opposition Democratic Party of Korea has voiced its opposition to the one-off public holiday, due to October 1st also being the date of the establishment of the Japanese Government-General of Korea on October 1st, 1910. South Korea's ruling ruling People Power Party has requested that the government declare October 1, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day.
Kuwait Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday September 15 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting on Tuesday, declared Sunday, September 15, 2024, a public holiday in Kuwait on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's birthday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "all government offices and institutions will suspend work on this day. Institutions with work of a special nature will decide their own holiday accordingly, taking public interest into account." and adding that "Work will resume on Monday, September 16". Recall that, as per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Kuwait Prophet's Birthday Public Holiday September 15 Kuwait Civil Service Commission (Kuwait City) The Kuwaiti Cabinet, in its weekly meeting on Tuesday, declared Sunday, September 15, 2024, a public holiday in Kuwait on the occasion of Prophet Muhammad's birthday. As per the aforementioned announcement, "all government offices and institutions will suspend work on this day. Institutions with work of a special nature will decide their own holiday accordingly, taking public interest into account." and adding that "Work will resume on Monday, September 16". Recall that, as per a Kuwaiti Cabinet administrative decision of June 2007, Kuwaiti weekends were changed from Thursday and Friday to Friday and Saturday, beginning on September 1st, 2007.
Mizoram 2025 Public Holidays Announced Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The General Administration Department of India's State of Mizoram has released the vide notification No.F.23012/1/2020-GAD/92 containing the list of 2025 public holidays and government holidays ("The Competent Authority is pleased to declare the following days as public holidays for the Calendar Year 2025 for all Offices under the Government of Mizoram. All the Government Offices shall be closed on all Saturdays and Sundays."), as well as the restricted holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 ("The Competent Authority is further pleased to allow each employee to avail any 2 (two) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the list mentioned below.").
Mizoram 2025 Public Holidays Announced Mizoram General Administration Department (Aizawl) The General Administration Department of India's State of Mizoram has released the vide notification No.F.23012/1/2020-GAD/92 containing the list of 2025 public holidays and government holidays ("The Competent Authority is pleased to declare the following days as public holidays for the Calendar Year 2025 for all Offices under the Government of Mizoram. All the Government Offices shall be closed on all Saturdays and Sundays."), as well as the restricted holidays for the upcoming calendar year 2025 ("The Competent Authority is further pleased to allow each employee to avail any 2 (two) holidays to be chosen by him/her out of the list mentioned below.").
St Vincent and the Grenadines Adopt Spiritual Baptist Public Holiday Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines (Saint Vincent) The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, has announced that the Public Holiday (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (National Spiritual Baptist Day) declaring May 21 as a new annual public holiday, recognizing the Spiritual Baptist movement, was passed unanimously by Parliament ("This bill is very brief but stuffed with significance"). Recall that, last May, Prime Minister Gonsalves had announced that Cabinet was to make a decision on the possible declaration of May 21 as a new annual public holiday recognizing the Spiritual Baptist movement. May 21, 1951, is being observed by Spiritual Baptists as their Liberation Day following the victory of a court case where they were represented by the late Robert Milton Cato, former Premier and Prime Minister.
St Vincent and the Grenadines Adopt Spiritual Baptist Public Holiday Government of St Vincent and the Grenadines (Saint Vincent) The Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, has announced that the Public Holiday (Amendment) Bill, 2024 (National Spiritual Baptist Day) declaring May 21 as a new annual public holiday, recognizing the Spiritual Baptist movement, was passed unanimously by Parliament ("This bill is very brief but stuffed with significance"). Recall that, last May, Prime Minister Gonsalves had announced that Cabinet was to make a decision on the possible declaration of May 21 as a new annual public holiday recognizing the Spiritual Baptist movement. May 21, 1951, is being observed by Spiritual Baptists as their Liberation Day following the victory of a court case where they were represented by the late Robert Milton Cato, former Premier and Prime Minister.
Costa Rica Clarifies Rules For August 31 Public Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) Costa Rica's Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) has issued a communique recalling that Saturday, August 31, 2024, is a non-mandatory paid public holiday, in commemoration of the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture, and that it will remain observed on its set date of August 31. In September 2021, the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly passed Bill 20989 which declared August 31, as a new Costa Rican annual public holiday to to mark the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture (Día de la Persona Negra y la Cultura Afrocostarricense), becoming in 2022 a new annual non-mandatory pay public holiday in Costa Rica, along with August 2 and December 1. However, as a transitory measure, the 2022 and 2023 observances of this new public holiday were moved to the following Sunday, to compensate the fact that, due to the pandemic, many of the 2020-2024 public holidays were moved to adjoin a nearby weekend.
Costa Rica Clarifies Rules For August 31 Public Holiday Ministerio de Trabajo y Seguridad Social de Costa Rica (San José) Costa Rica's Ministry of Labor and Social Security (MTSS) has issued a communique recalling that Saturday, August 31, 2024, is a non-mandatory paid public holiday, in commemoration of the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture, and that it will remain observed on its set date of August 31. In September 2021, the Costa Rican Legislative Assembly passed Bill 20989 which declared August 31, as a new Costa Rican annual public holiday to to mark the Day of the Black Person and Afro-Costa Rican Culture (Día de la Persona Negra y la Cultura Afrocostarricense), becoming in 2022 a new annual non-mandatory pay public holiday in Costa Rica, along with August 2 and December 1. However, as a transitory measure, the 2022 and 2023 observances of this new public holiday were moved to the following Sunday, to compensate the fact that, due to the pandemic, many of the 2020-2024 public holidays were moved to adjoin a nearby weekend.
Maldives Extend National Day Public Holiday Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The Office of the President of the Maldives has announced that President, Mohamed Muizzu, had declared Thursday, September 5, 2024, as an additional public sector holiday in the Maldives, "in observance of this year’s National Day, which falls on September 4, Wednesday". The Maldives observes a Friday-Saturday weekend.
Maldives Extend National Day Public Holiday Maldives President's Office Press Release (Male) The Office of the President of the Maldives has announced that President, Mohamed Muizzu, had declared Thursday, September 5, 2024, as an additional public sector holiday in the Maldives, "in observance of this year’s National Day, which falls on September 4, Wednesday". The Maldives observes a Friday-Saturday weekend.
Nepal Declares August 26 Janai Purnima Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Federal Government of Nepal has declared a public holiday on Monday, August 26, 2024, on the occasion of the Krishna Janmashtami. Additionally, the Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE) has announced that it will remain closed to mark Krishna Janmashtami and that regular trading will resume on Tuesday (Bhadra 11, 2081) at 11:00. Today's declaration of Monday, August 26, 2024, as a nationwide public holiday is in line with the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2081 (April 2024-April 2025).
Nepal Declares August 26 Janai Purnima Public Holiday Nepalese Ministry of Home Affairs (Kathmandu) The Federal Government of Nepal has declared a public holiday on Monday, August 26, 2024, on the occasion of the Krishna Janmashtami. Additionally, the Nepal Stock Exchange Limited (NEPSE) has announced that it will remain closed to mark Krishna Janmashtami and that regular trading will resume on Tuesday (Bhadra 11, 2081) at 11:00. Today's declaration of Monday, August 26, 2024, as a nationwide public holiday is in line with the gazetted list of official non-working public holidays in Nepal for the Nepalese year 2081 (April 2024-April 2025).
Sarawak Rules-Out Sukma XXI Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kuching) The Premier of of Malaysia's State of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has ruled-out the declaration of a one-off public holiday in Sarawak following the Sarawak contingent winning the 21st Malaysia Games. As per the aforementioned announcement, made after discussions the matter with State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, "When public holidays are (suddenly) announced, there are many implications from an economic point of view involving double payments". Individual Malaysian states often declare one-off non-working public holidays on account of football and sport victories, in particular the Malaysian states of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Johor, where the day after most important matches, Sunday, is a regular working day.
Sarawak Rules-Out Sukma XXI Public Holiday Bernama News Agency (Kuching) The Premier of of Malaysia's State of Sarawak, Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, has ruled-out the declaration of a one-off public holiday in Sarawak following the Sarawak contingent winning the 21st Malaysia Games. As per the aforementioned announcement, made after discussions the matter with State Secretary Datuk Amar Mohamad Abu Bakar Marzuki, "When public holidays are (suddenly) announced, there are many implications from an economic point of view involving double payments". Individual Malaysian states often declare one-off non-working public holidays on account of football and sport victories, in particular the Malaysian states of Kedah, Kelantan, Terengganu, and Johor, where the day after most important matches, Sunday, is a regular working day.
South Korea Considers One-Off October 1st Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) South Korea's ruling ruling People Power Party has requested that the government declare October 1, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day. As per today's statement by a senior spokesperson of the People Power Party, Han Ji-ah, the government will "take into account various factors, such as boosting military morale, stimulating consumer spending and the burden on corporations" with the need to "emphasize the importance of national defense and the value of the military's existence, as well as instill pride among soldiers on active duty through interest and courtesy towards them at the national level, given the seriousness of the national security situation".
South Korea Considers One-Off October 1st Public Holiday Yonhap News Agency (Seoul) South Korea's ruling ruling People Power Party has requested that the government declare October 1, 2024, as a one-off public holiday to mark the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Day. As per today's statement by a senior spokesperson of the People Power Party, Han Ji-ah, the government will "take into account various factors, such as boosting military morale, stimulating consumer spending and the burden on corporations" with the need to "emphasize the importance of national defense and the value of the military's existence, as well as instill pride among soldiers on active duty through interest and courtesy towards them at the national level, given the seriousness of the national security situation".
Saudi 2024 National Day Public Holiday September 20-23 Saudi Press Agency (SPA) The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) of Saudi Arabia has announced that Monday, September 23, 2024, would be an official public holiday for the private and non-profit sectors on the occasion of Saudi Arabia's 94th National Day. Additionally, the Saudi public sector will be off work on Sunday, September 22, 2024, leading to a 4-day weekend.
Saudi 2024 National Day Public Holiday September 20-23 Saudi Press Agency (SPA) The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) of Saudi Arabia has announced that Monday, September 23, 2024, would be an official public holiday for the private and non-profit sectors on the occasion of Saudi Arabia's 94th National Day. Additionally, the Saudi public sector will be off work on Sunday, September 22, 2024, leading to a 4-day weekend.
Thailand 2025 Public Holidays Announced The Bank of Thailand (Bangkok) The official list and dates of the annual bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Thailand, for the upcoming calendar year 2025, has been released by the Bank of Thailand. In accordance with the Cabinet's Resolution of February 3rd, 2004, multiple day public holidays with 2 days falling on a weekend day only give rise to one day in lieu non-working public holiday on the following Monday. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony public sector holiday is usually announced at a later date, with the notable exception of 2018, when it was announced before the list of 2018 public holidays in Thailand, but only to be moved later that same year.
Thailand 2025 Public Holidays Announced The Bank of Thailand (Bangkok) The official list and dates of the annual bank holidays and non-working public holidays in Thailand, for the upcoming calendar year 2025, has been released by the Bank of Thailand. In accordance with the Cabinet's Resolution of February 3rd, 2004, multiple day public holidays with 2 days falling on a weekend day only give rise to one day in lieu non-working public holiday on the following Monday. The Royal Ploughing Ceremony public sector holiday is usually announced at a later date, with the notable exception of 2018, when it was announced before the list of 2018 public holidays in Thailand, but only to be moved later that same year.
