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Marrakech – The General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), Morocco’s main private sector organization, has invited private companies to grant their employees Monday, March 23, as an additional day off for Eid al-Fitr. The holiday is expected to fall on either Friday, March 20, or Saturday, March 21.
In a message to CGEM members, President Chakib Alj noted that the government has already decided to grant public administration and local government employees an exceptional day off on March 23. He encouraged private sector employers to follow suit where possible, allowing workers to enjoy an extended break for the occasion.
The government’s decision was made in accordance with Article 3 of Decree No. 2.05.916 of July 20, 2005, as amended. The measure aims to allow public servants to extend their Eid celebrations, which mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.
CGEM made a similar appeal last Eid al-Adha, when Alj urged private companies to grant employees Monday, June 9, as a day off after the government declared it an exceptional holiday for the public sector. Eid al-Adha fell on Saturday, June 7.
Ramadan began in Morocco on Thursday, February 19. Based on astronomical calculations, the month is expected to last a full 30 days, with Friday, March 20, as the final day of fasting. Eid al-Fitr would then be celebrated on Saturday, March 21.
However, the official date remains subject to confirmation through the observation of the Shawwal crescent moon, overseen by the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs through a network of observation points across the country. Some Muslim countries may celebrate Eid as early as Friday, March 20, depending on their own observation methods.
The extended weekend also coincides with Morocco’s return to GMT+1. Clocks will be set forward by 60 minutes at 2 a.m. on Sunday, March 22, ending the temporary GMT schedule applied during Ramadan under Decree No. 2.18.855 of October 2018.
