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With a few additional leave days in hand, workers could afford to enjoy a few more long weekends, such as New Year's Day which falls on a Thursday.
The Ministry of Manpower has announced Singapore’s public holidays for 2026, featuring 11 public holidays, and six long weekends.
| Date | Holiday |
| 1 January 2026, Thursday | New Year's Day |
| 17 & 18 February 2026, Tuesday & Wednesday | Chinese New Year |
| 21 March 2026, Saturday | Hari Raya Puasa* |
| 3 April 2026, Friday | Good Friday** |
| 1 May 2026, Friday | Labour Day** |
| 27 May 2026, Wednesday | Hari Raya Haji* |
| 31 May 2026, Sunday | Vesak Day** |
| 9 August 2026, Sunday | National Day** |
| 8 November 2026, Sunday | Deepavali** |
| 25 December 2026, Friday | Christmas Day |
* - Subject to further confirmation.
**- The following Monday will be a public holiday
According to the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), six public holidays in 2026 will fall on either a Friday or Sunday.
Falling on a Friday:
- Good Friday – 3 April
- Labour Day – 1 May
- Christmas Day – 25 December
Falling on a Sunday (with the following Monday as a public holiday):
- Vesak Day – 31 May
- National Day – 9 August
- Deepavali – 8 November
As always, employers are reminded to comply with the Employment Act.
Employees in Singapore are entitled to 11 paid public holidays each year. If required to work on a public holiday, employers must either:
- Pay an extra day’s salary at the basic rate, or
- Offer a public holiday or time off in lieu (the latter applies only to those not covered under Part IV of the Employment Act).
Employees must not be absent without valid reason on the working day before or after a holiday to qualify for holiday pay. Otherwise, employers can deduct one day’s pay at the gross rate.
If a public holiday falls on:
- A rest day: The next working day becomes a paid holiday.
- A Saturday (for 5-day workweek employees): Employers must provide either a day off or pay in lieu.
Those not covered under the Employment Act (e.g. workmen earning over $4,500/month, non-workmen earning over $2,600/month, managers/executives) should follow terms in their contracts.
If working on a holiday with no mutual agreement on time off:
- For work ≤4 hours: 4 hours off on a working day.
- For work >4 hours: 1 full day off.
- Alternatively, employers may pay an extra day’s salary at the basic rate.
READ MORE: HR guide: Employer obligations under Part IV of MOM Singapore's Employment Act
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