Understanding Malaysia’s Foreign Worker Policies: A Guide for Foreign Investors
Malaysia’s economy is heavily reliant on foreign labor, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing, construction, and services. As of 2024, there are approximately 2.3 million foreign workers in the country, making up 14.6 percent of the total workforce.
From Recruitment to Retention: Talent Trends and Strategies in China
China’s labor market is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by demographic shifts, evolving workforce expectations, and technological advancements. In recent years, businesses have been facing growing challenges in attracting, engaging, and retaining top talent as competition for skilled professionals intensifies.
In this China Briefing issue sheds light on:
- Navigating China’s Evolving Labor Market
- Building Localized Recruiting Strategies for Your China Business
- Beyond Salary: Holistic Approaches to Talent Retention in China
ALMOST EVERY GERMAN COMPANY IS SATISFIED WITH ROMANIA AS A BUSINESS LOCATION
Sebastian Metz, Executive board member of the German-Romanian Chamber of Industry and Commerce (AHK Romania), Bucharest
What are the anticipated economic implications of Romania's recent political devel opments?
Political unrest always affects the economy, usually by reducing investor confidence and causing businesses to adopt a wait-and-see approach. We are currently experiencing these effects as well - companies are postponing decisions on expansions or investments, or in extreme cases, abandoning investment plans altogether.
Romania: MORE MANAGERS ARE CONSIDERING RELOCATION
Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search
What kind of positions are you currently recruiting to in Romania?
At CT Executive Search, we primarily recruit senior executives in Romania for inter national companies, mostly with Western European or U.S. roots. Our clients are predominantly from the upper mid-market segment, alongside major corporations.
The Business Magazine of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce
Romania: Adapting to new legislation on foreign investment approval
Gabriel Popa, Partner, STALFORT Legal. Tax. Audit.
Foreign investments are a key component of Romania’s national economic devel opment, significantly impacting job creation, innovation, international trade, and f inancial flows. In this context, Romania regulates the approval process for such investments through Emergency Ordinance No. 46/2022 (with subsequent amend ments, hereinafter "EO 46"), which sets the conditions under which foreign direct investments require prior approval.
Navigating Hong Kong’s Annual Employer’s Return: Compliance and Best Practices
The Annual Employer’s Return filing in Hong Kong begins on the first working day of April and should be completed within one month. Hong Kong employers are advised to start preparations early and allocate sufficient resources to meet this tight deadline. Non-compliance with the Annual Employer’s Return filing requirements may result in avoidable penalties.
This article answers the following questions:
- What kind of employees are subjected to the Annual Employer’s Return?
- What to file in the Annual Employer’s Return?
- How to file the Annual Employer’s Return?
Breaking Down Singapore’s Work Permit Changes: What’s New for 2025?
Singapore is set to implement significant changes to its Work Permit and S Pass frameworks, aiming to enhance workforce stability and address labor shortages. These reforms, announced by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM), will take effect between July 1 and September 1, 2025, and focus on extending employment opportunities for foreign workers, refining S Pass eligibility, and broadening the talent pool across various sectors.
India’s Tech Workforce Shifts as GCCs Outpace Traditional IT Firms
While the IT industry is poised to reach US$300 billion in revenue by financial year 2026-27, employment trends indicate a significant shift in workforce distribution and employer preferences.
India’s tech hiring trends in 2025 reflect a broader movement toward efficiency, innovation, and strategic workforce planning. With AI-driven automation reshaping business models, companies must prioritize digital transformation, employee upskilling, and advanced hiring strategies.
China’s Labor Law: Key Developments in 2024 and Trends to Watch in 2025
China’s labor law landscape underwent significant reforms in 2024. These changes have had a direct impact on workforce management, social security policies, and compliance requirements for both domestic and foreign-invested enterprises.
As China moves into 2025, further reforms are expected. Employers will need to adapt their HR strategies to stay compliant.
The Indo-German Chamber of Commerce Newsletter
Personal Income Tax Changes in India Under the New Regime for FY 2025-26
India Briefing by Dezan Shira & Associates
India’s personal income tax system has undergone substantial revisions with the Union Budget announced on February 1, 2025. These changes only impact taxpayers opting for the new tax regime. We provide a comprehensive breakdown of the updates, tax slab comparisons, and their implications.
The Business Magazine of the Indo-German Chamber of Commerce
Want to stay updated with all the Indo-German news? The Indo-German Economy contains all the information about the latest trends and developments in Indo-German cooperation as well as the various activities and initiatives of the Chamber.
Highlights:
- APK 2024
- Indian Delegation Visits AMB 2024
- Harnessing the Wind: Hamburg 2024
- HR Forum 2024
Philippines Updates Rules for Work Permits for Foreign Workers
ASEAN Briefing by Dezan Shira and Associates
In response to the growing demand for foreign expertise and concerns about local employment protection, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has introduced new regulations governing work permits for foreign workers in the Philippines. These updates aim to enhance transparency, streamline procedures, and ensure that foreign employment aligns with national labor policies.
Requirements in Key Professions: 2025 Compliance
Middle East Briefing by Dezan Shira & Associates
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (MHRSD) has introduced new Saudization requirements, to be in phases across 2025, to enhance local employment across 269 professions. Companies should note the increased Saudization rates to maintain labor compliance. Government support programs will aid companies in recruiting and training Saudi nationals for affected roles.
Kuwait’s New Workforce Regulations: Balancing Labor Rights and Economic Growth
Middle East Briefing by Dezan Shira & Associates
Kuwait has introduced a series of regulatory changes aimed at improving labor conditions, streamlining workforce management, and enhancing the efficiency of government projects. These new measures include stricter housing regulations for workers, mandatory fingerprint attendance for government projects, and policy updates impacting labor mobility. As the country seeks to balance economic priorities with labor rights, these reforms signal a broader shift in workforce management.
CT EXECUTIVE SEARCH WELCOMES KATERYNA ALEKSIUK AS DIRECTOR UKRAINE & BALTICS
CT Executive Search Press Release
CT Executive Search has invited Kateryna Aleksiuk to lead its operations in the Baltic States and Ukraine. Kateryna is a seasoned professional with over a decade of experience in executive search, recruitment, and talent consulting, and a proven track record in successfully identifying and recruiting candidates to top positions in companies across the globe.
"I am thrilled to welcome Kateryna to CT Executive Search. Her outstanding professional track record and her in-depth understanding of the Baltic and Ukrainian markets, make her an invaluable addition to our team. She is uniquely equipped to help our clients build high-performing leadership teams and seize opportunities in these dynamic regions, thereby, aligning perfectly with our commitment to providing exceptional service to our clients." – Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search
Empowering Leadership: Lessons from Crawling Backwards
Topics covered:
- The Problem: Misguided Leadership
- The Solution: Leading by Example to Empower
- The Next Step: Learning to Trust
- The Conclusion: Leadership as Growth
UAE Work Permit: A Comprehensive 2025 Guide
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a global business hub, offering exceptional opportunities. This Introduction to Doing Business in the UAE 2025 guide sheds more light on:
- HR & payroll
- Corporate establishment and business closure procedures
- Tax and audit
- Transfer pricing
Czechia: Minimum wage set to rise in 2025
The Czech government has approved the coefficient for the calculation of the minimum wage for 2025 and 2026. The relevant amendment to the Labor Code has come in force as of 1 August 2024.
Saudi Arabia Labor Law Amendments: Preparing for Compliance
Middle East Briefing by Dezan Shira & Associates
Saudi Arabia announced amendments to its Labor Law in August 2024, which will come in effect from February 2025. The amendments introduce enhanced worker protections, expanded employer obligations, and structured frameworks for contracts, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 goals.
Czechia: May a lack of soft skills serve as grounds for termination?
The Supreme Court of the Czech Republic has confirmed the legitimacy of a notice for termination given for failure to meet the requirements for proper work performance in the field of communication and teamwork – i.e., what is known as soft skills.
UAE Work Permit: A Comprehensive 2025 Guide
Compliance with UAE labor laws, accurate documentation, and awareness of evolving regulations are key to successfully navigating the work permit system.
In this guide sheds more light on:
- Types of work permits in the UAE in 2025
- Eligibility criteria, application process, and required documents for standard, sector-specific, and Free Zones work permits
- Standard work permits
- Sector-specific work permits
- Work permits for UAE Free Zones
Overcoming common challenges when creating your Africa strategy: Business environment
Cultivating strong local partnerships provides insights, aids in navigating regulatory complexities, and builds a reliable network. Seeking legal expertise ensures compliance with local laws, with specialized professionals offering tailored guidance. Talent acquisition and cost-efficiency measures enhance operational resilience, such as collaboration with local recruitment agencies and optimizing supply chain logistics. This holistic approach positions businesses for sustainable success in Africa.
An Introduction to Doing Business in India 2025 – New Publication Out Now
India Briefing by Dezan Shira & Associates
As India’s economic prowess captures global attention and the country is poised to become the world’s third largest economy by 2030, this guide will assist businesses seeking to navigate this vibrant market.
Doing Business in India 2025 guide includes insights on:
- Manufacturing
- India’s investment climate
- Human resources and payroll
- Trade policy
- Data protection measures
