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
An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2025
China Briefing by Dezan Shira & Associates
China remains one of the world’s largest consumer markets, essential for any ambitious businesses pursuing global success.
Despite fluctuations, China will likely remain one of the most important investment destinations in emerging Asia for most foreign investors.
Doing Business in China 2025 covers:
- Human Resources and Payroll
- Establishing and Running a Business
- Tax, Audit, and Accounting
- Cybersecurity and Data Protection
India Labor Compliance: How the Shram Suvidha Portal Works
The Shram Suvidha Portal, developed by the Ministry of Labor and Employment, serves as a one-stop solution for labor law compliance in India. This unified web platform simplifies regulatory procedures, ensuring transparency, accountability, and ease of doing business for employers while safeguarding employees’ rights.
China’s Workforce Dynamics and Regional Trends
- Despite a declining working-age population, China’s workforce saw a 6.9 million job increase in 2023, driven by policies re-integrating older workers.
- Aging is a major issue in northern provinces, while southern regions like Guangdong attract younger populations, affecting labor and consumption trends.
- China’s labor market is seeing a decline in high-skilled foreign talent, with a rise in low-skilled labor from neighboring countries.
INDIA HAS MANY CONFIDENT, ARTICULATE CANDIDATES
Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search
What makes executive search in India unique?
The process of searching for and selecting executives in India is largely similar to other countries. The key is finding candidates who understand the local market dy namics and fit seamlessly into the structures of an international company. For the role of a Country Manager, the ability to bridge intercultural gaps is especially critical.
India now boasts a substantial pool of qualified executives, complemented by "local expats"—Europeans who have permanently relocated to India.
India: COMPANIES OFTEN HIRE THE WRONG PEOPLE
Michael Schade, Managing Director, FIT VOLTAIRA INDIA PVT. LTD.
What advice would you give to a German company looking to enter the Indian market?
A thorough market analysis is essential: How large is the market? What products does the competition offer? And how might our own products need to be adapted?
Market entry into India should not be rushed, but rather, approached in a structured and planned way. Choosing the right employees is equally important. I often see companies hiring the wrong people.
New startup factory in the emerging market of India
Bernd Reitmeier, Founder of "Startup Factory"
The recent Asia-Pacific Conference of German Business in October in New Delhi highlighted India’s role as a key emerging market – particularly, for German medi um-sized companies. With consistently high growth rates, and as the world’s fifth largest economy, India remains an attractive long-term market.
Romania's Labour Market: Challenges and Opportunities for Businesses
CT Executive Search Press Release
Valuable insights into the Romanian job market, business and legal landscape, and tax system were offered at the webinar titled Focus on Romania: Economic, Investment, and Recruitment Opportunities.
Organised by CT Executive Search and STALFORT.Legal.Tax.Audit, and supported by AHK Romania, it shed more light on current business opportunities, HR Trends and status quo regarding the country’s employment and tax laws.
Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search spoke about the HR trends, highlighting skills shortages, particularly in the IT sector, and the challenges of finding suitable candidates, weighing local versus expatriate managers.
Key Considerations for Expatriates in India: Jobs, Location Costs, and Tax
This Dezan Shira & Associates update addresses some of the important tax, HR, and payroll considerations for expatriates when moving to India for work or other purposes. Key points of information include types of jobs open to expats living in India, local socioeconomic conditions and cost comparison between major cities, applying for an Employment Visa, the taxation regime and reporting requirements, and access to social security. This article will hold value for foreign hiring managers as well.
Navigating India’s Export-Import Landscape: Customs, Trading, and Industrial Clusters
India Briefing Magazine
This publication by Dezan Shira & Associates explores India’s evolving trade landscape, focusing on regulatory reforms, manufacturing clusters, and trade partnerships. Topics covered include:
- Customs Regulations
- Establishing a Trading Company
- Key Manufacturing Clusters: A Sector-wise Breakdown
- Trading with Major Partners
Emerging Employment Trends in Indonesia: Training and Upskilling Opportunities
Indonesia’s job market is expected to transform significantly due to the rapid adoption of digital technologies and ongoing economic recovery efforts. The increasing reliance on automation and digital platforms is driving a higher demand for digital skills. Efforts to rebound from the pandemic have stimulated job creation, particularly in e-commerce and technology. Moreover, steady foreign investments are attracting international businesses, creating diverse job opportunities.
New Employment Pass Salary Requirements in Singapore: How Businesses Can Prepare
Learn about Singapore’s new 2025 Employment Pass salary thresholds and COMPASS framework. Find out how businesses can prepare to meet the updated requirements.
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has announced the new salary threshold for Employment Pass (EP) applicants for 2025. The EP is a work visa for foreign professionals, managers, and executives seeking employment in Singapore.
Indonesia’s Employment Regulation: Practical Guide for Employers
This is a Dezan Shira & Associates' comprehensive guide on Indonesia’s employment regulation covering contracts, wages, working hours, foreign workers, and termination procedures.
Conditions for hiring in Indonesia is primarily governed by the Manpower Act (Law No. 13 of 2003), which provides a comprehensive framework for labor relations. This law covers a wide range of issues, including working conditions, employment contracts, wages, working hours, and occupational health and safety. Understanding the Manpower Act is crucial for any employer operating in Indonesia, as it outlines the fundamental rights and obligations of both employers and employees.
Doing Business in China 2024/25 for Polish Companies
China Briefing by Dezan Shira & Associates
This publication is from Dezan Shira & Associates in collaboration with the Polish Investment and Trade Agency.
The Introduction to Doing Business in China 2024/25 for Polish Companies covers various topics, including:
- China’s changing business landscape and the opportunities it brings
- Poland-China trade and investment data
- Human resources, recruiting, and payroll
- Cybersecurity, data protection, and cross-border data management
CURRENTLY, WE ARE SEEING GROWTH IN SERBIA
Ost-Ausschuss der Deutschen Wirtschaft e.V.
What is the significance of Serbia for the German economy today?
Serbia is an attractive location for German companies. We currently estimate that around 900 companies with German capital involvement are operating in the country, creating more than 80,000 jobs. We also see dynamic development in trade.
Serbia: ATTRACTIVE CONDITIONS FROM A COST PERSPECTIVE
Christian Tegethoff, Managing Director, CT Executive Search
What types of assignments do you handle in Serbia?
CT Executive Search, along with our research subsidiary, Talent Trackers, primarily recruits for international companies in Serbia, particularly from Western Europe and the USA. Most of these clients are mid-sized firms, though we also serve large cor porations. Serbia offers a compelling location for industries such as household appliances, automotive suppliers, and industrial components, serving both as a manu facturing hub and a growing sales market. Consequently, many of our assignments focus on roles within sales and production.
SERBIA IS EXCELLING IN ITS DIGITALIZATION EFFORTS
Ljubica Tomic, Managing Partner, TSG Lawyers Serbia
What tax and regulatory advantages make Serbia attractive for investment?
Serbia offers a highly educated, motivated, and available workforce. Foreign employers are welcomed, and the country’s strategic geographic location is another asset. Serbia’s low tax rates — 15% corporate tax and 10-15% personal income tax create a favorable investment climate.
Cost Reduction Strategies in China
Cost reduction and efficiency improvement remain top priorities for businesses, especially in China’s current business environment. Implementing effective strategies for reducing costs and enhancing efficiency is crucial for survival, maintaining a competitive edge, and increasing profit margins. This issue of China Briefing magazine delves into the most effective cost reduction strategies observed in Chinese business practices...
UAE Amends VAT Executive Regulations, Effective November 15
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has made substantial changes to its Value Added Tax (VAT) Executive Regulations, effective from November 15, 2024. These amendments, published in the Official Gazette on September 16, 2024, carry broad implications for businesses across various sectors, especially trade and financial services.
Singapore’s New Workplace Fairness Law: What Employers Need to Know
Singapore’s Law and Home Affairs will propose a new workplace fairness legislation (WFL) to parliament aimed at creating a more equitable and inclusive employment practice.
The proposed law will ensure that employers do not discriminate against employees based on protected characteristics.
Czechia: Managing directors – are you aware of your duties under the law? Do you discharge them properly?
This article provides a basic summary of selected annual corporate duties that should be familiar to all managing directors (or other members of the executive management) of a company in the Czech Republic.
