2020 Holidays - Singapore

Singapore Public Holiday Observance Rules

1. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Sunday

- The following Monday will be a public holiday.

- This applies to all public holidays except for New Year’s Day (January 1), which does not get a replacement holiday if it falls on a Sunday.

2. When a Public Holiday Falls on a Saturday

- Unlike Sunday holidays, no automatic replacement holiday is given for a public holiday that falls on a Saturday.

- However, civil servants and certain companies may grant an extra day off (off-in-lieu) to employees, depending on the employer’s policy.

- Employees covered under the Employment Act who are required to work on a Saturday public holiday are entitled to an extra day’s pay or a day off.

3. Bridge Holidays (Long Weekends)

- Singapore does not have a system of bridge holidays (such as granting a day off when a holiday falls on a Tuesday or Thursday).

- However, some employers may choose to grant additional leave days at their discretion.

4. Special Cases for Public Holidays

- Chinese New Year: If the second day of Chinese New Year falls on a Sunday, the following Monday becomes a public holiday.

- Deepavali, Hari Raya Puasa, and Hari Raya Haji: These dates are based on lunar or Islamic calendars and shift each year. The replacement day rule applies if they fall on a Sunday.

5. Additional Notes

- Singapore typically announces public holidays for the upcoming year in advance, usually around April.

- Employees who work on public holidays are entitled to extra compensation (typically 1 additional day’s pay or time off in lieu).

- Some private sector companies adjust work schedules to provide long weekends when possible, even if it is not mandated by law.