2025 Holidays - New Caledonia

New Caledonia Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. Entitlement to Public Holidays

- Recognized Public Holidays: New Caledonia observes several public holidays each year, many of which align with French national holidays, along with additional local observances. Employees are generally entitled to a day off on these public holidays. Source

2. Working on Public Holidays

- Compensation for Work: If an employee is required to work on a public holiday, the labor laws mandate that they must be given a day off in lieu of the holiday or paid a premium wage for all hours worked. However, the labor laws do not guarantee payment for holidays; if an employer pays their employees for holidays, it is at their discretion and part of their specific work contract. Source

3. Holidays Falling on Weekends

- Observance Practices: When a public holiday falls on a weekend, the following workday is usually not considered a holiday. Therefore, employees do not typically receive an additional day off during the week. Source

4. Additional Notes

- Regional Holidays: In addition to national public holidays, New Caledonia also recognizes certain regional holidays specific to its provinces. Employers and employees should be aware of these regional observances, as they may affect work schedules and entitlements. Source

Employers and employees are encouraged to consult New Caledonia's labor laws and any relevant employment contracts or collective agreements for detailed provisions related to public holidays and work schedules.