Planning for 2025? This comprehensive guide outlines all Singapore public holidays, addressing common questions about employee entitlements, compensation, and HR policy implications. For more information, you can also refer to the complete guide on public holidays.
Singapore Public Holidays 2025: The Calendar
Here's a complete list of Singapore's public holidays in 2025. Note that Hari Raya Puasa and Hari Raya Haji dates are subject to confirmation based on the lunar calendar. Check out more details about statutory holidays in Singapore.
January 2025
- New Year's Day: January 1 (Wednesday)
- Chinese New Year: January 29 (Wednesday) and January 30 (Thursday)
Understanding Public Holidays in Singapore
Public holidays in Singapore are legally recognized days off, impacting work schedules and business operations. They are carefully chosen to reflect Singapore's diverse cultural and religious landscape. Learn more about the leave policies in Singapore.
- Total Number: Singapore observes 11 public holidays annually.
- Holiday-in-Lieu: If a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is a public holiday. Read about the public holiday in lieu policy.
- Observance: Holidays are determined through consultation with various religious and community leaders, balancing cultural needs with business considerations.
- Impact on Work: Public holidays usually mean a day off for employees, with businesses adjusting operating hours accordingly.
Public Holiday Entitlements and Compensation
Employee Rights:
- Paid Leave: Employees are entitled to paid leave on public holidays.
Employees in Singapore are generally entitled to paid leave on public holidays under the Employment Act. Exceptions include when a public holiday falls during approved unpaid leave or a non-working day, in which case the employee is entitled to a substitute day off or extra pay. To qualify for holiday pay, employees should not be absent without consent on a working day immediately before or after a holiday. Learn more about paid leave policies in Singapore.
- Working on Public Holidays: If required to work, employees receive an extra day's pay at their basic rate, in addition to their regular pay for that day. Alternatively, a mutually agreed upon day off in lieu can be arranged.
- Part-Time Employees: Part-time employees are entitled to pro-rated public holiday pay based on their working hours, provided they've worked at least 14 days in the preceding 3 months. Learn more about part-time leave entitlements.
- Public Holidays on Weekends: For public holidays falling on Saturdays, employees are entitled to compensation – either a day off or salary in lieu.
Long Weekends in 2025: Planning Ahead
Several public holidays in 2025 create long weekends, offering opportunities for extended leave and strategic business planning. Employers can consider this while planning flexible working hours:
- Chinese New Year (Jan 29-31): A three-day weekend.
- Good Friday (Apr 18-20): A three-day weekend.
- Hari Raya Puasa (Mar 31): Already a Monday, making a long weekend if Friday/Saturday before is taken off.
- Vesak Day (May 12): Already a Monday, making a long weekend if Friday/Saturday before is taken off.
- Deepavali (Oct 20): Already a Monday, making a long weekend if Friday/Saturday before is taken off.
Public Holiday Pay Calculation in Singapore
Public holiday pay calculation is crucial for HR compliance. Here's a simplified overview. Learn more about public holiday regulations:
- Full-time Employees (Working on Public Holiday): Gross pay for the day + extra day's pay at the basic rate.
- Full-time Employees (Public Holiday on Rest Day): Paid for the public holiday; following workday is a paid public holiday.
- Part-time Employees: Pro-rated based on their working hours compared to full-time employees.
Employer Responsibilities and Penalties
Employers must adhere to the Employment Act. Failure to comply with public holiday entitlements can result in serious penalties, including. Make sure you understand your employer's responsibilities:
- Fines: Up to $15,000 for the first offense.
- Imprisonment: Up to 6 months for the first offense.
The length of imprisonment in Singapore varies based on the offense's nature and severity. While some minor offenses might have shorter sentences, six months is not a universal maximum for first offenses. More serious offenses, such as drug-related or violent crimes, can result in significantly longer imprisonment terms, often exceeding six months. Additionally, specific offenses like overstaying may result in a six-month term along with caning.
It's crucial for employers to understand and comply with all relevant regulations to avoid legal issues and maintain a positive working environment.
Conclusion
Careful planning and understanding of Singapore's public holidays are essential for both employers and employees. This guide provides a comprehensive overview to ensure compliance with the Employment Act and promote fair labor practices. Remember to consult the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) website for the most up-to-date information and detailed guidelines.
