2026 Holidays - Gambia

Gambia Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. General Observance

Public holidays in The Gambia are established by national legislation and government decrees, and are published in the official holiday calendar. These holidays are normally observed on the dates specified in that calendar.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- In recent practice, if a public holiday falls on a Sunday, it is typically moved to the following Monday.

- This shift ensures that workers receive a full weekday off.

- Employers must adhere to the official calendar; employees working on the substitute Monday are entitled to overtime pay or compensatory leave in accordance with Gambian labor law.

3. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- Similarly, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday, it is generally moved to the following Monday.

- This practice places the holiday within the regular workweek.

- Employers are required to follow the official holiday calendar; employees working on the substitute Monday receive the appropriate premium compensation as mandated by Gambian labor regulations.

4. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- There is no automatic statutory mechanism that adds extra “bridge” days beyond these substitutions.

- Any additional days off provided to extend a holiday period are determined by specific government announcements or by employer policies.

- Employers may, at their discretion or under collective agreements, offer further benefits, but such measures exceed the statutory requirements.

5. Additional Notes

- The official public holiday calendar is published annually by the Gambian government and serves as the definitive guide for observance.

- For the most current and accurate details, consult the latest official holiday calendar and any recent government decrees or legislative updates.

- Employees working on a public holiday—whether on the original date or on the substitute day—are entitled to premium pay or compensatory time off as mandated by Gambian labor law.