The facade of the Grand Serail in Beirut. (Credit: PHB)
On Wednesday, the Office of the Presidency of the Lebanese government published the official schedule that will come into force for most administrations, public institutions and municipalities during the religious month of Ramadan, starting on March 10 or 11. According to the relevant press release, the timetables are as follows:
- Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to noon.
These changes apply to all civil servants and assimilated employees who work the "normal" 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. working hours.
For civil servants and assimilated employees with special working hours, the government specifies that their working hours will be reduced by a number equivalent to the former. "The competent authorities may decide how to modulate these adjustments, provided that the requirements linked to fasting are reconciled with those of the work" of the administrations and institutions concerned, the statement adds.
Some private companies also adjust their working hours during the month of Ramadan, even though they are not legally obliged to do so.
This article originally appeared in French in L'Orient-Le Jour.