2021 Holidays - Malta

Malta Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. Entitlement to Public Holidays

- Malta observes 14 public holidays annually, comprising both national and religious events. Source

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Weekend

- As of 2020, if a public holiday falls on a Saturday or Sunday, employees are entitled to an additional day of vacation leave. This policy reinstates the pre-2005 system. Source

3. Working on Public Holidays

- Employees required to work on a public holiday are entitled to:

• Their regular pay for the hours worked.
• An additional day off or overtime pay, as stipulated by the employer's policies and national labor laws.

4. Annual Paid Leave

- Full-time employees are entitled to 24 days (192 hours) of paid vacation per year.

- In addition, they receive extra vacation days to compensate for public holidays that occur during weekends. For instance, in 2024, six public holidays fall on weekends, resulting in a total of 30 days of vacation for that year. Source

5. Additional Notes

- The National Holidays and Other Public Holidays Act (Chapter 252) distinguishes between national and public holidays and mandates the flying of the National Flag of Malta on public buildings during these days. Source

- Employers and employees should refer to the Employment and Industrial Relations Act and any applicable collective agreements for specific provisions related to public holidays and work schedules.