Africa

Egypt announces public holiday for Coptic Christmas

The Egyptian Minister of Manpower, Mohamed Saafan, has announced that Tuesday, January 7th, will be observed as an official holiday for private-sector employees to celebrate Coptic Christmas.

In a statement, Saafan wished Merry Christmas to all Egyptians.

He added that Tuesday will be a full paid holiday for workers in accordance with Law 12 of 2003، adding that should employees work on that day, they would be compensated with twice the daily rate.

The Ministry has also instructed its directorates nationwide to notify companies and businesses about the holiday.

Coptic Christmas was declared a national holiday in Egypt in 2005 by the government of Hosni Mubarak.

The Coptic Church recognises January 7th as the day that Jesus was born. This is the same date as Orthodox Christmas. Elsewhere in the world, Christmas is celebrated on December 25th.

Further reading

Toby

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