Iran’s Parliament Approves Thursdays as Second Weekend Day

Iran’s Parliament has voted to establish Thursdays as the second weekend day, in addition to Fridays. The bill awaits approval by the Guardian Council. If enacted, the workweek will extend from Saturday to Wednesday, with certain exemptions for military and service sectors. Previous discussions had favored Saturdays, highlighting the debate on optimizing trade relations.

The Iranian Parliament has voted to designate Thursdays as the second weekend day, alongside Fridays. This legislative decision, made during an open session, still awaits approval from the Guardian Council before becoming legally binding. Should the bill pass, all government agencies will operate from Saturday to Wednesday, while military and security organizations, as well as banks and hospitals, will not be affected by this change.

The proposal for a second weekend day had previously sparked considerable debate within the nation, with various stakeholders arguing for its impact on domestic trade. Notably, private sector representatives preferred Saturday as a weekend day, arguing that aligning with international weekend practices could enhance Iran’s trade relations. In a previous Parliament session on May 15, 2024, lawmakers had voted for Saturday to serve as the second weekend day, which was later overturned by the Guardian Council for revision.

In conclusion, the Iranian Parliament’s recent decision to introduce Thursdays as a second weekend day marks a significant change in the country’s workweek structure. This bill, pending Guardian Council approval, reflects ongoing discussions about optimizing Iran’s economic engagement globally. Exemptions remain for specific agencies, illustrating the complexities involved in adjusting the nation’s operational days.

Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com