Boxing Day in Fiji
Boxing Day is a statutory public holiday in Fiji, observed on 26 December with substitute-day rules set out in the Employment Relations Act. The law applies the holiday across workplaces and sets out how workers are paid when they would normally work that day.[1]
A public holiday under Fiji law
The Employment Relations Act 2007 names Boxing Day among the public holidays that must be kept in all workplaces. A worker is entitled to payment for the hours they would normally have worked, subject to the Act’s eligibility conditions. If a worker works on the holiday, the Act provides for an additional payment at the single rate on top of that entitlement.[1]
The Act sets out how the holiday moves when 26 December falls on particular days: if it falls on Saturday, the following Monday is a public holiday; if it falls on Sunday or Monday, the following Tuesday is a public holiday. It also provides for Tuesday to be a public holiday when Monday is already a public holiday under the Act’s rule for Christmas Day, Diwali or Prophet Mohammed’s Birthday. The Minister may also approve another observance date by notice in the Gazette.[1]
Meaning and observance
Boxing Day falls on the day after Christmas Day and is a national public holiday in Fiji.[1][2]
The Fiji Government lists public holidays by date, while Cabinet decisions have approved annual holiday calendars and said dates would be published in the Gazette. These official notices confirm Boxing Day’s place in the national calendar, but they do not describe specific ceremonies, family activities or community events for the day.[2][3]
What to expect for services
The law’s requirement that the holiday be kept in all workplaces does not establish that every office, bank, shop or transport service closes. Opening hours and service schedules can vary by provider. Residents and visitors should check directly with the business, agency or transport operator they plan to use.[1]
Boxing Day in Fiji: questions and answers
Is Boxing Day a public holiday in Fiji?
Yes. Fiji’s Employment Relations Act lists Boxing Day as a public holiday to be kept in all workplaces. The Act also sets out payment entitlements for eligible workers.[1]
When is Boxing Day observed?
Are offices, shops and banks open?
The Act establishes the public holiday but does not say which individual offices, shops or banks close. Check with the provider for its holiday opening hours.[1]
Do buses and ferries run on Boxing Day?
Check with the relevant transport operator for bus or ferry timetable information.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for Boxing Day in Fiji:
- Employment Relations Promulgation 2007- The University of the South Pacific (hosting the Fiji legislation)
- Public Holidays- Fiji Government
- CABINET DECISIONS 3 OCTOBER 2023- Fiji Government