2025 Holidays - Brunei Darussalam

Brunei Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- Monday replacement: In Brunei, if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, the following Monday is observed as a holiday-in-lieu, unless Monday itself is already another public holiday.

- No special exceptions: Generally, this replacement applies to all holidays; there is no stated exception for specific events.

- Private sector compliance: Most employers follow this rule. If employees are required to work on the “replacement Monday,” they must be compensated or given time off in lieu according to labor regulations.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- No automatic replacement: There is no legal requirement to shift a Saturday public holiday to another weekday. The holiday is observed on Saturday itself.

- Employer discretion: Some organizations may grant a day off in lieu (off-in-lieu) at their own discretion, but this is not mandated by law.

- Overtime or extra pay: Employees who must work on a Saturday public holiday are typically entitled to overtime pay or compensatory leave under their employment contracts.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- No official bridging system: Brunei does not have a formal practice of declaring an additional holiday to ‘bridge’ a gap (e.g., if a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday).

- Possible private or government decisions: Occasionally, the government or certain employers may declare an extra day of “off-in-lieu” to create a long weekend, but this is not a standard policy.

4. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Islamic holidays: Many of Brunei’s public holidays (e.g., Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Aidiladha) are determined by the Islamic lunar calendar and can shift each year. If they fall on a Sunday, the Monday replacement rule applies.

- Friday prayers: Friday is a shorter workday in Brunei due to Friday prayers, but if a holiday officially falls on Friday, it is observed on that same day with no shift to another weekday.

- Royal and national events: Occasional extra public holidays may be declared for significant royal or national events (e.g., the Sultan’s birthday). Observance rules typically follow the same Sunday-to-Monday replacement procedure.

5. Additional Notes

- Official announcements: Public holidays and observance details are announced by the Prime Minister’s Office or relevant authorities, often well in advance.

- Employment standards: Compensation for working on a public holiday is governed by Brunei’s labor laws. Employees are generally entitled to premium pay or another day off in lieu.

- No universal weekend: Although the official rest day in the public sector includes Friday (for prayers) and Sunday, private sector practices can vary. Always consult company policy and national labor laws for specifics.