File Photo: Egyptian Muslims celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan outside al-Seddik mosque in Cairo, Egypt. AFP
The ministry said the decision applies to employees covered by Labour Law No. 14 of 2025 and aims to unify official holiday dates across different sectors of the state whenever possible, allowing workers nationwide to observe the Eid holiday during the same period.
Employers may require staff to work during the holiday if work conditions necessitate it, the ministry added.
In such cases, employees are entitled to double their daily wage in addition to their regular pay or to receive a compensatory day off, in accordance with the provisions of the labour law.
The Labour Law grants private-sector workers the right to fully paid leave during official holidays and national occasions determined by the competent minister.
The announcement follows a decree by the Prime Minister, which declared the period from Thursday, 19 March, to Monday, 23 March, a paid holiday for employees in ministries, government agencies, public authorities, local administration units, and public-sector and public-business companies for Eid Al-Fitr.
The labour ministry said the circular has been distributed to labour directorates across Egypt’s governorates to oversee its implementation within private-sector companies and establishments, with officials instructed to publish the circular’s provisions at workplaces and production sites and ensure their enforcement.
Eid Al-Fitr is one of the two major Muslim festivals observed worldwide and is traditionally marked by prayers, family gatherings, and public celebrations.
Short link: