Morocco introduces new paid public holiday

King Mohammed VI of Morocco has introduced a new holiday, Amazigh New Year's day as an official paid national holiday.

The directive means Amazigh language will be the 2nd official language besides Arabic.

In his statement released on Wednesday, King Mohammed directed the head of the government to immediately implement his decision.

The national holiday will be the 3rd paid national holiday in Morocco, alongside the first of Moharram of Hegira year and the New year's day of the Gregorian calendar.

"His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist Him, has decided to institute the Amazigh New Year's Day as an official paid national holiday, along with the first of Moharram of the Hegira year and the New Year's Day of the Gregorian calendar,"read part of the statement.

The Royal initiative comes to consecrate the High solicitude of which the King, does not cease to surround the Amazigh as an essential component of the authentic Moroccan identity, enriched by the plurality of its tributaries, and common heritage to all Moroccans without exception.

It is also part of the constitutional consecration of the Amazigh language as an official language of the country, alongside the Arabic language." concluded the King's statement.

The North African country with a population of slightly over 37 million people, observes other public holidays such as new year, Eid Ul Fitr, proclamation of independence day, revolution day and youth day among other national holidays.