Marrakech – Morocco’s retirement fund, the Caisse Marocaine des Retraites (CMR), announced on Friday that pension payments for retirees and beneficiaries will be disbursed starting Wednesday, March 18.
The early payment, coordinated with banking institutions, aims to help beneficiaries meet their needs ahead of the Eid al-Fitr celebrations. The move comes as the country prepares for a series of schedule changes tied to the end of Ramadan.
Astronomical calculations project that Ramadan will last 30 days this year. According to astronomer Hassan Talibi, a member of the Islamic Crescent Observation Project, the lunar conjunction is expected on Thursday, March 19, at 01:30 a.m.
However, the crescent’s height above the horizon – between 7 and 8 degrees – makes it invisible to the naked eye that evening.
The crescent will only be visible on Friday, March 20, placing Eid al-Fitr on Saturday, March 21. The International Astronomy Center’s map confirms Morocco falls outside the zone where early observation is possible. The official announcement, however, remains the sole authority of the Ministry of Habous and Islamic Affairs.
In a related decision, the government declared Monday, March 23, an exceptional public holiday for state administrations and territorial collectivities. The measure, based on Article 3 of Decree No. 2.05.916, gives public sector employees an extended break following Eid.
Morocco will also return to GMT+1 in the early hours of Sunday, March 22. Clocks will move forward one hour at 2 a.m., ending the temporary shift to GMT observed during Ramadan.
Under Decree No. 2.18.855, adopted in October 2018, the country maintains GMT+1 year-round but reverts to GMT for the holy month. Public administrations and businesses will resume their regular schedules from that date.