The government announced that public and private sector workers will be granted a paid holiday for the Coptic Orthodox celebration of Christmas on Thursday, 7 January.
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced that the paid holiday for public employees includes employees at ministries, governmental agencies, public authorities, local administration units, public sector companies, and public business sector companies.
Meanwhile, Minister on Manpower Mohamed Saafan announced that private sector workers will also have a paid holiday for the occasion.
Saafan affirmed employers can still require workers to work on the Christmas Day, but with double-wage compensation per the law.
Coptic Orthodox Egyptians, and other Eastern Orthodox countries, celebrate Christmas on the 7th of January on the Gregorian calendar.
The 7th of January is a national holiday in Egypt.
Source: Al-Ahram Online
