New Year’s Day in Liberia
New Year’s Day is a public holiday in Liberia on January 1, under the country’s Patriotic Observances Law. The Decent Work Act provides employees with a paid holiday entitlement, subject to rules for those asked to work.[1][2]
Legal status and time off
Liberia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says the first day of January each year is set aside as New Year’s Day under Title 25 of the Liberian Code of Laws of 1956, the Patriotic Cultural Observance Law. A 2018 proclamation described the date as a national holiday throughout the Republic and directed government offices and business houses to close for the day.[1]
Under the Decent Work Act, employees are entitled to a paid holiday on days specified as public holidays in the Patriotic Observances Law. An employer may ask an employee to work; if the employee agrees, the Act provides for twice the normal rate, unless both sides agree in writing to extra paid time away from work instead.[2]
Meaning and observance
The Foreign Ministry’s explanation connects the holiday with the start of the Gregorian calendar year and with gratitude for the previous year. In its 2018 proclamation, the President called on citizens and foreign residents to gather at their places of worship, regardless of religious creed, to pray for Liberia and other peoples. This documents an official call for reflection and prayer; it does not establish how every person or community observes the day.[1]
What visitors should expect
The same proclamation directed government offices and business houses to close, but it does not specify the opening hours of individual shops, banks, or transport services. Check directly with a business or service before travelling or arranging errands around the holiday.[1]
New Year’s Day date
New Year’s Day falls on January 1 each year. The holiday’s fixed calendar date marks the beginning of the year in the Gregorian calendar.[1]
Frequently asked questions
Is New Year’s Day a paid day off in Liberia?
When is New Year’s Day observed in Liberia?
It is observed on January 1 each year.[1]
What happens if an employee works that day?
If an employee agrees to work, the Decent Work Act provides for twice the normal rate. The employer and employee may instead agree in writing to extra paid time away from work at no less than the ordinary rate.[2]
Are shops, banks, and transport services open?
A Foreign Ministry proclamation directed government offices and business houses to close, but it does not confirm the hours of specific shops, banks, or transport services. Check with the provider directly.[1]
Sources and references
Sources used for New Year's Day in Liberia:
- President Sirleaf Declares Monday, January 1, 2018, New Year’s Day; To Be Observed as a National Holiday- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia
- Decent Work Act, 2015- Republic of Liberia; document hosted by Liberia Legal Information Institute