Iran’s Parliament voted to add Thursday as a second weekend day alongside Friday, pending Guardian Council approval. Government operations will shift to Saturday through Wednesday, while key sectors remain unaffected. Previous proposals to adopt Saturday as the weekend faced rejection, showcasing ongoing discussions about weekend structure in Iran.
On Wednesday, Iranian lawmakers in Parliament voted to designate Thursdays as the second weekend day, in addition to the existing Friday weekend. This change is pending approval from the Guardian Council before it can be enacted into law. Following this new policy, all government agencies are required to operate from Saturday to Wednesday.
Certain organizations, including military, security, police, banks, and medical facilities, are exempt from this schedule to ensure continuity of critical services. The push for declaring a second weekend day stems from a previous bill introduced by the former government. This initiative sparked debates on the optimal weekend structure in the nation.
Private sector stakeholders have voiced their preference for Saturday as the additional weekend day, arguing it aligns better with global business practices, as many countries observe Saturdays and Sundays as their weekends. Earlier in May 2024, lawmakers voted to adopt Saturday, but this measure was rejected by the Guardian Council due to unspecified concerns requiring legislative revision.
The Parliament’s decision to potentially designate Thursdays as an additional weekend day in Iran reflects ongoing debates about work-life balance and economic interactions. Exemptions for crucial services illustrate attempts to maintain necessary operations while accommodating potential societal changes. The preference expressed by some sectors for a Saturday weekend indicates a broader conversation about aligning with international norms.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
