Harsher consequences for Philippine firms hiring illegal foreign workers
The labour department of the Philippines is looking to slap heftier penalties on companies found hiring illegal foreign workers.
UOB employee in London sues over alleged racial discrimination
A British employee is suing United Overseas Bank’s London, saying that he was overlooked for a new role due not being Asian.
Ethiopia allows almost one million refugees to leave camps and work
Ethiopia has passed a law giving almost one million refugees the right to work outside of camp, as part of a programme creating 100,000 jobs.
Thousands of Hungarians protest ‘slave law’ on overtime
The law allows employers to compel up to 400 hours per year of overtime from employees; effectively an extra day a week.
Truck drivers charged with offence in Singapore for $1 bribes
Singapore has charged two Chinese migrant workers with soliciting one dollar bribes from lorry drivers, and could face prison time if convicted.
Korean lawmakers urged to ease minimum wage hike
The Korea Employers Federation has asked lawmakers to ease up labour-related bills that place extra burdens on firms.
Philippine lawmakers to lower government workers’ retirement age
The proposed measure would lower the optional retirement age of Filipino government employees from 60 to 56.
Chinese doll factory investigated over workplace abuse claims
The workers at a toy factory in Heyuan, China, were working illegally overtime, and often earning less than SG$1.80 per hour.
New tax law threatens 150,000 jobs in Philippines
At least 1,200 firms in the Philippines might pull out from investing due to the sudden shift in policy, resulting in 150,000 jobs at stake.
Calls to allow sick leave without doctor’s note in Singapore
A proposal calls for employees in Singapore to be allowed to call in sick up to three days without a doctor’s note.
What companies need to know about whistleblowing
Corporate whistleblowing might be an uncomfortable topic for any company to discuss, but it is more helpful than harmful.
New retirement age in Vietnam to take effect in 2021
The retirement age for male and female workers could increase from 60 and 55 at present to 62 and 60 respectively from 2021.
Taiwan defers plans for mandatory labour directors
Companies are pushing back against Taiwan lawmakers who are proposing that companies appoint labour directors.
Foreign professionals in Taiwan may be exempted from proficiency exams
Accredited foreign professionals, including doctors, dentists, and pharmacists, soon may not need to take proficiency exams to start working in Taiwan.
Malaysia bans third-party recruiters for foreign workers
The Malaysian government has decided to remove third parties in the foreign worker application and recruitment process.
RCA2018: Best HR Technology – Outsourcing
Newcomer to the Readers’ Choice Awards, Elements Global Services walked away with the trophy for Best Outsourcing technology during the 2018 event.
RCA2018: Best Background Screening Provider
RISQ Group has snagged the Best Background Screening Provider award for the second year in a row.
Hong Kong approves five-day paternity leave
New fathers in Hong Kong will soon enjoy five days of statutory paternity leave, up from the current entitlement of three.
Bangladesh approves labour bill easing trade union set up
Bangladesh has passed a bill that will provide more facilities to workers, and the punishment of workers for violating laws has been reduced.
‘Work-from-home’ bill gets senate and house approval in Phillippines
A proposed work-from-home bill will soon provide Filipino workers with the option for greater work-life balance.
UK employers will need to publish race pay gap figures
With the proposed law, the UK government aims to tackle the lack of social mobility among ethnic minorities.
Malaysian immigration deports Bangladeshi workers
This follows allegations that a syndicate of recruiting agents monopolised the recruitment of Bangladeshi workers.
Singapore Press Holdings launches sexual harassment taskforce
CEO Ng Yat Chung draws a line after two editors were involved in undeclared and improper relations with a junior staff member.
Qatar abolishes unpopular exit visa system
Foreign workers in Qatar will no longer need controversial exit permits from their employers to leave the country.
Thailand lifts restrictions on foreign work permit holders
Thailand’s work permits now allow the holders to change employers within Thailand, rather than being tied to their original role and organisation.
Malaysia set to sign labour deal with Nepal
The two countries are close to finalising an agreement which lays out mandates for the supply of Nepalese workers to Malaysia.
Philippines Labour Department wants 2,000 more inspectors
The chief enforcer of labour laws across the Philippines is calling for a higher budget and greater resources “on the ground”.
Hong Kong reveals priority sectors for foreign talent
The list reveals how Hong Kong hopes to continue developing as a high value-added and diversified economy.
South Korea plans for record spending on jobs creation
South Korea is hoping that increased resources will help to create jobs, especially for women and senior citizens.
Philippines inch towards 100-day paid maternity leave
The proposed law is progressing through the Filipino House of Representatives; one of the country’s two law-making bodies.