Ministerial Decree No. 346 of 2025 specifying Christian workers’ religious holidays

Requirements

• Grants Christian workers, in addition to Decision 294/2025 holidays, leave on their religious feasts per the Prime Minister’s decision.
• Listed feasts:
  • Coptic Orthodox: Christmas, Epiphany, Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, Easter.
  • Coptic Catholics and Protestants: New Year’s Day, Christmas, Easter.
• Morning delay allowance:May permit late arrival until 10:00 a.m. on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday, and Epiphany.

Impact on Employers

Failure to observe the above may lead to penalties to be imposed on the employer.

Recommended Actions

Monitor updates or additional implementing instructions.

How We Can Help

• Our Employment & Labour team is assisting clients in: Advising on issuance updates and employee communications, Liaising with Labour Office directorates to streamline logistics, and to assist in drafting the relevant documentation/forms.
• Please contact any member of our Employment & Labour practice for tailored advice. We will continue to monitor developments and keep you informed of further guidance from the Ministry of Labour.