Iran’s Parliament has voted to make Thursdays the second weekend day alongside Fridays, pending Guardian Council approval. The new schedule mandates government agencies to operate Monday to Wednesday, while exempting military and certain services. The previous proposal aimed to introduce Saturday as the weekend was rejected. Discussions continue about the implications for Iran’s trade and compliance with global standards.
In a recent open session, Iranian lawmakers approved a bill designating Thursdays as the second weekend day in addition to Fridays. However, this voting result requires confirmation from the Guardian Council before it becomes law. If enacted, government agencies will operate from Saturday to Wednesday, though military, police, and some service entities, including banks and hospitals, are exempt from this new schedule.
The proposal for a second weekend day was initially introduced by the former government, prompting significant debate across the nation. Many private sector representatives argued that adopting Saturday as a weekend would better align Iran’s business operations with global practices, as Saturdays and Sundays are widely recognized as the weekend in most countries. Previously, on May 15, 2024, lawmakers supported a bill to designate Saturday as the second weekend, but the Guardian Council rejected this decision and returned it for further review.
In conclusion, the Iranian Parliament’s recent vote seeks to establish Thursdays as the second weekend day in the country. This proposal, still pending Guardian Council approval, highlights the ongoing discussions about aligning Iran’s workweek with global norms, particularly in regards to the private sector’s interests and international trade considerations. The outcome of this legislative measure remains to be fully determined as it progresses through regulatory channels.
Original Source: www.tehrantimes.com
