General shops can stay open daily until 8.00 pm except on December 24 and 31 when they must close at 6.00 pm, the labour ministry clarified on Tuesday.

It said that that under the provisions on the law governing the operation of shops and working terms of employees, all general shops must adhere to the Christmas schedule over the period of December 1 to December 31.

Under the relevant legislation, general shops can remain open until 8.00 on except on Christmas eve and New Year’s eve when they can stay open until 6.00 pm.

Genera shops must remain closed on December 25 and 26, as well as January 1, 2 and 6 as these days are considered holidays, it added.

Staff working at special shops who will work on the above holidays must be paid at twice their hourly rate, it said.