Morocco Makes Unity Day a National Holiday

Morocco now has a new reason to celebrate. The government officially approved Unity Day as a national holiday after the United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution recognizing Morocco's autonomy plan for the disputed Sahara region.

King Mohammed VI designated October 31 as the holiday following UN Security Council Resolution 2797, which made Morocco's proposal the sole framework for resolving the long-standing Sahara dispute. In a brief speech after the UN vote, the monarch described the moment as a decisive turning point in modern Moroccan history.

The government moved quickly to make the holiday official. Two draft decrees now ensure that both private sector workers and public employees get the day off with pay, removing any confusion about who gets to celebrate.

Minister of Economic Inclusion Younes Sekkouri submitted the first decree, which updates the country's 2004 law on paid public holidays for private sector workers. The second decree, presented by Minister Delegate Amal El Fallah Seghrouchni, extends the same benefit to public administrations and government institutions.

Government spokesperson Mustapha Baitas emphasized the national significance of the decision. He said Unity Day marks a pivotal moment for Morocco's primary national cause and reinforces the country's core principles and unity.

The holiday will do more than give people a day off. According to the Royal Cabinet, Unity Day will reflect attachment to national values and legitimate rights, and will also coincide with royal pardons on that date each year.

The decrees will become law once published in the Official Bulletin and complete the required legal process. The first Unity Day celebration is set for October 31 of this year.

The Ripple Effect

This new holiday represents more than just another day on the calendar. For Moroccan families, it means an annual opportunity to gather and celebrate national progress together. Workers across all sectors now have equal access to the paid holiday, whether they work for private companies or government agencies.

The swift government action also shows how national unity moments can translate into tangible benefits for everyday citizens. From offices in Rabat to businesses across the country, everyone will share in marking this diplomatic achievement together.