Vietnam Payroll Update: New Social & Health Insurance Contribution Ceiling from 1 July 2026

Under Decree No. 161/2026/ND-CP, issued on 15 May 2026, the Vietnamese Government has increased the statutory base salary from VND 2,340,000 to VND 2,530,000 per month, effective 1 July 2026.
Colombia Introduces a New Mandatory Public Holiday Under Law 2578 of 2026

Law 2578 of 2026 establishes 9 July each year as the Day of Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá, declaring it a mandatory national public holiday throughout Colombia.
Mexico’s 40-Hour Workweek Reform: The Complete Phased Schedule Employers Need to Know

Mexico is undergoing one of the most significant labour law changes in recent years through a reform that will gradually reduce the standard workweek from 48 hours to 40 hours by 2030.
UAE Payroll Compliance Update: What Employers Must Do Under the New Wage Protection System

Effective 1 June 2026, Ministerial Resolution No. 340 of 2026 establishes a revised framework that places greater emphasis on payroll accuracy, payment timelines, and employer accountability.
Australia’s 2026 Wage Increase: What Employers Need to Do Before 1 July

The Fair Work Commission has announced increases to modern award wages and the National Minimum Wage, effective from the first full pay period starting on or after 1 July 2026.
What Malaysian Employers Must Prepare For Under HRD Corp’s New 15 June 2026 Rules

From mandatory waiting periods to the removal of grant modifications and appeals, Malaysian employers may need to rethink how they plan employee training and manage HR operations moving forward.
Europe Is Tightening Foreign Workforce Compliance and Romania Is Just the Beginning

Romania’s 2026 foreign workforce reforms are introducing stricter compliance requirements, stronger employer accountability, and tighter oversight on international hiring.
Germany: What Employers Must Know About Workforce Obligations During Organisational Restructuring

Restructuring a business in Germany triggers a set of legally defined workforce obligations that, if overlooked, can render dismissals void and expose employers to significant legal liability.
What Singapore’s New SWDA Means for the Future of Work

Singapore has officially passed the Skills and Workforce Development Agency (SWDA) Bill, merging Workforce Singapore (WSG) and SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) into a single integrated agency.
Why Spain’s Growing Halal Economy Is Creating New Opportunities for Asian Businesses

Spain’s growing halal economy is opening new opportunities for businesses with experience in halal products, Muslim-friendly services, and cross-border consumer markets. In Part 2, we explore why this emerging sector is worth watching for businesses expanding into Europe.