New Year's Day in Comoros
In Comoros, New Year's Day is a nationwide civil public holiday fixed on January 1. The national decree classifies it as non-working and paid, subject to limited exceptions for work that cannot stop.[1]
Legal status
The decree separates public holidays into religious and civil categories. New Year's Day is listed among the civil holidays, alongside National Reconciliation Day, Labour Day, Independence Day and other dates. It applies across the Union of the Comoros.[1]
The decree says listed holidays are non-working and paid throughout the country, except for establishments and workers whose activities cannot be interrupted. A joint order by the ministers responsible for employment and public administration is to set which establishments and worker categories may use that exception. The Labour Code, meanwhile, generally governs employment relationships between employers and workers in Comoros, while excluding people appointed to permanent administrative posts from its provisions.[1][2]
Date and calendar
New Year's Day is observed on January 1. It begins the Gregorian calendar year, a calendar system used internationally; Comoros gives the date its own legal status by naming it in the country's list of civil public holidays.[1]
The decree does not provide a routine Monday substitute when January 1 falls on a weekend. It does say that an intervening working day between two holidays, between a holiday and Saturday, or between Sunday and a holiday may be declared non-working and paid. That wording provides for a separate declaration rather than an automatic substitute day.[1]
Observance in Comoros
The decree establishes New Year's Day as a civil public holiday in Comoros.[1]
What to expect
The day is designated non-working and paid nationwide, subject to the activity-based exceptions in the decree. Check directly with a particular office or business before relying on it being open.[1]
New Year's Day in Comoros: FAQs
Is New Year's Day a public holiday in Comoros?
Yes. The decree lists January 1 as a civil public holiday and designates listed holidays non-working and paid nationwide, subject to activity-based exceptions.[1]
When is New Year's Day observed?
It is observed on January 1 each year.[1]
Is there an automatic substitute day if January 1 falls on a weekend?
The decree does not establish an automatic substitute day. It allows an intervening working day in certain calendar situations to be separately declared non-working and paid.[1]
Will banks, shops and transport services be open?
Check with the bank, shop or transport operator you plan to use for opening hours.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Comoros:
- Décret N°25-147PR du 19 déc 2025 fixant la liste des jours fériés, chômés et payés en Union des Comores- Présidence de l’Union des Comores (hosted by Munganyo)
- Code du Travail 2012- Ministère de la Justice, des affaires islamiques, et de la fonction publique, chargé des droits de l’Homme, de la transparence et des administrations publiques