Egypt to pay public sector salaries early before Ramadan

Ahram Online , Wednesday 27 May 2015

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An employee counts money at a bank in Cairo (Photo: Reuters)

The Egyptian ministry of finance will pay government salaries ten days ahead of schedule in June and July as the country prepares for the Islamic holy month of Ramadan and the Eid holiday.

Egypt's more than 6.5 million government employees usually receive their salaries on the 25th of each month.

Salaries will be available on the 20th in August and back to its usual schedule the following month, state-owned news agency reported.

Muslims, who make up the vast majority of the 90-million-strong country, fast from dawn until sunset during the month of Ramadan.

Egyptians are accustomed to consuming certain foods and drinks to break the fast.

Before turning to solid foods, Egyptians drink juices made from dry fruits. These include dried apricots, Tamarind, plums, dates and figs.

High demand for these products ahead of Ramadan increases prices.

A three day Eid holiday follows Ramadan each year when Muslims celebrate the break of the fast.

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