Policy & Law
Employment law, enforcement and court rulings, immigration, payroll tax and social insurance changes around the world.
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215 in the last two weeksYesterday · Sunday 25 October
- United States·Policy & Law
Minneapolis Minimum Wage to Rise to $17.02 on January 1
Minneapolis minimum wage rises to $17.02 per hour effective January 1, 2027.
- United States·Policy & Law
US November visa bulletin advances family-sponsored categories by about a year for Indians
The US Department of State's November 2026 Visa Bulletin advanced final action dates for the F1, F2B and F3 family-sponsored categories by about a year, bringing some Indian applicants with older priority dates closer to permanent residency, while employment-based categories saw only limited progress and continue to face lengthy backlogs.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Vietnam proposes talent visa, five-year income tax exemption for foreign experts
Vietnam's Ministry of Home Affairs has proposed a draft resolution introducing a Vietnam Talent Visa, offering a five-year personal income tax exemption and work permit waivers for qualifying talented individuals and their families. The draft, open for public feedback, would apply to Vietnamese citizens, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign nationals, and will be submitted to the National Assembly for consideration.
- China·Policy & Law
Shunde, Foshan unveils 20 measures for HR services industry and launches job drive
On October 24, 2026, Shunde district in Foshan, Guangdong launched its 'Employment 100' campaign and previewed a forthcoming 20-point policy to boost the HR services industry. Seven HR service providers signed intent agreements, and a catering-sector job fair offered over 140 positions with monthly pay from RMB 3,000 to 30,000, drawing over 4,400 jobseekers.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Karnataka CM Warns Bengaluru IT Firms Over Alleged Bias Against Kannadiga Job Seekers
On October 25, 2026, Karnataka Chief Minister DK Shivakumar warned on social media that Bengaluru IT firms allegedly discriminate against Kannadiga job seekers. The government promised action if bias is confirmed but named no companies or specific measures.
- Middle East & Africa·Policy & Law
Mauritius Launches Tender to Study Reducing Work Week to 40 Hours
Mauritius launches a tender in early October to hire consultants studying feasibility of reducing weekly work hours from 45 to 40 under the 2019 Labour Rights Act—signalling major labour law reform affecting wages, productivity and conditions.
- United States·Policy & Law
USCIS Revises Filing Deadline Rules, Effective October 23, Affecting Green Card and H-1B Applicants
USCIS revised filing deadline rules effective October 23, 2026, distinguishing procedural filing deadlines from dates involving substantive eligibility. The change eliminates automatic weekend/holiday extensions for certain qualification-related deadlines, affecting green card applicants' children nearing age 21 and H-1B workers requiring timely extension filings.
- United States·Policy & Law
USCIS Begins Approving H-1B Petitions Filed Without $100,000 Fee
USCIS began approving H-1B petitions filed without the $100,000 supplemental fee required by Trump administration, which had exceeded expedited processing timelines. The fee was established September 2025 and extended to September 21, 2027; a June 2026 Massachusetts federal court ruled against it, with the government appealing.
- Europe·Policy & Law
Greece to Require Pay Transparency in Job Ads From November 1, 2026
Greece will require salary transparency in job advertisements effective November 1, 2026, applicable to recruitment postings within Greece.
- United States·Policy & Law
Immigration Column: I-140 Approval Holder Can Still Switch to F-1 Status If Laid Off from H-1B
A reader holding an approved NIW I-140 with an October 2023 priority date asked whether H-1B layoff permits F-1 status switch. Immigration counsel replied status change applications filed within the US remain viable if the applicant has genuine study intent and plans to depart post-graduation, as USCIS may approve such transfers.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Hai Phong city strengthens management of foreign workers
Vietnam's Hai Phong city strengthens management of foreign workers; specific policy terms, effective dates and scope remain unspecified in available reporting.
- United States·Policy & Law
Florida's Minimum Wage Rises to $15 Per Hour
Florida's minimum wage rose to $15 per hour on September 30, completing the phased increase approved by voters in 2020. The $1-per-hour increase adds $2,080 annual pre-tax income for full-time workers at 40 hours weekly, affecting employers, consumers and job seekers in Indian River, Martin and St. Lucie regions.
Saturday 24 October
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
9 Foreign Workers Found With Suspected Residence, Work Permit Violations in Vietnam's Dong Nai
Vietnamese authorities in Dong Nai raided a manufacturing facility on October 24, finding nine foreign workers (seven Bangladeshi, two Indian) with suspected residence and work permit violations; five Bangladeshi workers exceeded legal stay limits.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
India's Labour Minister Says ESIC Provides Health Security to 250 Million People
India's Labour Minister Mansukh Mandaviya states ESIC provides health security to 250 million people, while the government supplies free grain to 800 million and transfers Rs 2,000 every four months to 100 million farmers, discussing ILO framework balance with domestic labour traditions.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Myer Cancels Work From Home for Corporate Staff Ahead of Office Switch
Myer, an Australian department store, cancels work-from-home for corporate staff, requiring five-day office attendance from November at its new Melbourne headquarters. The move conflicts with Victoria's proposed right-to-WFH legislation.
- United States·Policy & Law
Florida Governor DeSantis Urges States to Stop H-1B Hiring at Public Universities
Florida has suspended H-1B hiring at 12 public universities, and Governor Ron DeSantis urged other states to follow suit on social media, citing job protection for American graduates. DeSantis has pursued H-1B restrictions at public universities since October 2025.
- United States·Policy & Law
New Mexico allocates over $12M in JTIP workforce grants to support hiring at IonQ, Bandelier Technologies
New Mexico's Economic Development agency (EDNM) approved more than $12 million in Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP) funding for Q1 FY2027, covering 33 companies. Quantum computing firm IonQ and quantum sensing company Bandelier Technologies received targeted wage-reimbursement grants to support hiring in hardware engineering and quantum systems operations. The program reimburses employers 50%-90% of eligible wages for up to six months; IonQ's Albuquerque grant totaled $160,951 for three trainees.
- United States·Policy & Law
Microsoft President Brad Smith Rejects Vance's H-1B Allegations, Warns of Green Card Restrictions Impact
Microsoft President Brad Smith rejected Vice President Vance's H-1B allegations and warned that further green card restrictions could undermine U.S. tech competitiveness.
- United States·Policy & Law
28 Immigrants in California Risk Losing Green Cards Over the Same Act
Twenty-eight immigrants in California risk green card revocation over the same act, including individuals residing in the U.S. for 40 years who claim lack of awareness.
- United States·Policy & Law
Tech Entrepreneur Palmer Luckey Calls H-1B Program a "Corrupt Sham", Criticizes Lobbyists
Tech entrepreneur Palmer Luckey called the H-1B program a「corrupt sham」and criticized leaders unwilling to fix it, citing VP Vance's reform push. Immigration researchers credited his comments with elevating public discourse on skilled outsourcing.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Buenos Aires subway union leaders detained amid labor dispute over outsourcing
Last Tuesday, Néstor Segovia, General Secretary of Argentina's Buenos Aires Subway and Premetro Workers Association (AGTSyP), along with board members Claudio Dellecarbonara and Facundo Heredia, were detained amid a labor dispute. The conflict stems from operator Emova's moves against worker rights including the six-hour workday; the union accuses the city government of colluding with Emova amid broader outsourcing concerns.
- Europe·Policy & Law
UK Employers Face Legal Risks Over Mandatory Return-to-Office Mandates
UK employers forcing full return-to-office in 2026 face legal risks, as remote and hybrid work have become de facto employment terms since 2020. Written offers, emails and years of hybrid practice may constitute implied contract terms; unilateral termination could trigger claims. An HR director previously lost an employment tribunal case.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Coahuila to host regional forum on Mexico's 40-hour workweek reform
Coahuila's labor authority will host a regional «2026 Labor Dialogue» forum October 29 in Torreón to brief businesses on Mexico's 40-hour workweek reform. Phased implementation requires 46-hour maximum by 2027, reaching 40 hours by 2030.
- Europe·Policy & Law
Romania's Labour Minister Says Minimum Wage Stays at 4,325 Lei on Jan 1, 2027
Romania's Labour Minister Florin Manole says minimum wage remains 4,325 lei (pre-tax) from January 1, 2027, with final determination through social dialogue involving unions and employers.
- United States·Policy & Law
US Immigration Uses AI to Cross-Check H-1B Address and Worksite Records
U.S. immigration authorities increasingly use AI tools to cross-check H-1B records across databases, identifying discrepancies between employee residence addresses and employer-reported worksites. Legal experts warn mismatches may trigger investigation, particularly affecting Indian professionals who comprise a large H-1B share.
- United States·Policy & Law
Infosys Discloses DOJ Investigation Over H-1B Visa Classification
Infosys disclosed in its September 30, 2026 quarterly and interim reports that it is under DOJ investigation over H-1B visa holder classification. The company cannot predict investigation outcomes or potential material adverse business impacts; Infosys paid $34 million in 2013 to settle prior immigration violation allegations.
- United States·Policy & Law
Indian-Origin US Midterms Candidate Backs H-1B Crackdown, Cites Misuse by Fake Firms
Indian-American midterm candidate Nirav Sheth, backing Trump, supports H-1B visa crackdowns before the November 3 election, alleging misuse by 「fake firms」 lacking real products or services, calling for immigration system reform.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
Singapore's National Wages Council Recommends S$120 Monthly Wage Increase for Low-Wage Workers in 2026/2027
Singapore's National Wages Council recommended S$120 monthly raises for workers earning below S$2,800 in 2026–2027, even for unprofitable firms. The non-binding guidance sparked discussion over SME burden; 2025's guidance achieved only one-quarter of recommended growth.
- Asia-Pacific·Policy & Law
MTUC Warns Minimum-Wage Exemption Could Leave 8.1 Million MSME Workers Without Pay Raise
Malaysia's Trade Union Congress warns government's temporary minimum wage exemption for MSMEs could leave 8.1 million workers without raises, urging targeted assistance over blanket waivers.
- Canada & Latin America·Policy & Law
Canada Speeds Up Immigration Processing, Work Permit and Express Entry Wait Times Drop
Canada accelerated immigration processing, reducing wait times for work permits and Express Entry applications across multiple categories.