Ministerial Decree setting Official Paid Holidays for Workers No. 294 of 2025

Requirements

• Establishes which national and religious occasions are deemed full paid holidays under the Labor Law.
• Includes Islamic feasts (Hijri New Year; Prophet’s Birthday; Eid al-Fitr—first two days of Shawwal; Arafat Day and first two days of Eid al-Adha), and civic/religious days (Coptic Christmas 7 Jan; Jan 25 Revolution/Police Day; Sham El-Nessim; Sinai Liberation Day—25 Apr; Labor Day—1 May; June 30 Revolution; July 23 Revolution; Armed Forces Day—6 Oct).
• The Minister of Labor may replace any listed holiday with a working week’s start/end day to unify holidays nationally.
• Workers are entitled to full pay on these days; they cannot be counted against annual leave.
• Employers may require work due to business needs; workers then get double pay in addition to regular pay, or a compensatory day off upon written request kept on file.

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.