This article looks at all of the China visa-free policies that are currently in place.
China has tightened enforcement of salary-based requirements for foreign work permits, with major cities applying full 6× and 4× multipliers. These changes impact both new applications and renewals, increasing compliance obligations for employers and foreign staff.
Shenzhen has tightened enforcement of age thresholds for Category B and C work permit renewals, with applicants aged 60 and above now facing rejection from 2026 onward.
As Chinese New Year 2026 approaches, businesses must prepare for one of the most operationally disruptive periods in the China business calendar. Proactive workforce planning, payroll compliance, and continuity measures will be critical to ensuring a smooth transition before and after the holiday.
This article offers a guide to minimum wages in the Chinese Mainland and discuss how labor costs are affected by changes to the minimum wage levels. The data is current as of January 22, 2026.
Shenzhen has opened applications for the 2026 GBA IIT subsidy program. High-end foreign talent have until March 31 to apply for a rebate on the portion of IIT paid in excess of 15 percent of their taxable income.
Hong Kong Public Holidays 2026 Schedule
An Introduction to Doing Business in China 2026 - New Publication Out
Performance Appraisals in China: How Employers Can Legally Link It to Pay
Non-fixed-Term Labor Contract in China: Rules Further Clarified Under Judicial Interpretation II
Shanghai’s Overseas Qualification Recognition List: What Foreign Professionals Need to Know
India’s Supreme Court will revisit the definition of “industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, a ruling that could directly influence the interpretation and implementation of the Industrial Relations Code, 2020.
The Indian state of Uttar Pradesh has overhauled its Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, expanding statewide applicability and modernizing employer compliance. The latest updates include threshold-based coverage, digital registration, revised working hours, and stronger enforcement for businesses operating in the state.
The Madhya Pradesh Shops & Establishment Act, Second Amendment, enacted on December 15, 2025, brings digital registration, online inspections, real-time updates, and simplified compliance for employers operating in the state.
India’s one central registration under the new labor codes streamlines employer registrations, licenses, and returns, while preserving statutory worker protections.
Gujarat’s Shops & Establishments amendments, notified on December 16, 2025, introduce key labor compliance changes, including higher applicability thresholds, extended working and overtime limits, and regulated night-shift employment for women.
The 2026 edition of 'An Introduction to Doing Business in India' provides practical insights for foreign firms and investors navigating India’s fast-evolving market, covering key policy developments and essential legal and operational areas such as company incorporation, taxation, audit, and HR and payroll.
How India’s New Labor Codes Will Reshape M&A Transactions in 2026
India Releases Labor Code Draft Rules; Stakeholder Feedback Begins Dec. 31, 2025
How India's New e-B-4 Visa Solves Your Foreign Talent Challenges
India Streamlines Business Visa Approval for Chinese Professionals to 4 Weeks
How to Navigate Cultural Differences in India to Succeed in Your Business Journey
Vietnam's personal data protection rules have tightened under Decree 356. Learn about new compliance duties for businesses operating in Vietnam.
November 24 has been officially designated as Vietnam Culture Day and recognized as an annual public holiday.
From July 1, 2026, Vietnam’s government mandates that all electronic labor contracts must be digitally managed on a centralized platform.
Vietnam’s National Assembly approves the amended Law on Personal Income Tax, aiming to broaden the tax base while lowering inequality.
Vietnam’s e-visa program makes it easier and faster for visitors to Vietnam to enter the country. The country has recently added 41 new ports that accept e-visas for entry, bringing the total to 83.
Typhoon Koto (Storm No. 15) has intensified over the central South China Sea, bringing dangerous winds and rough seas.
Strategic Approaches to HR and Payroll Management in Vietnam
Enforcing Vietnam's Social Insurance Law: New Measures on Late Payments and Evasion
Vietnam’s Regional Minimum Wage Effective from January 1, 2026
Hanoi Issues Guidance on Work Permit Procedures for Foreign Employees
Typhoon Kajiki to Make Landfall in Central Vietnam
Understand how Vietnam’s 183-day rule changes tax exposure, withholding, and assignment structuring for foreign staff.
Malaysia will revise its expatriate employment policy from June 2026, raising salary thresholds and introducing time limits for Employment Pass holders.
Foreign investors should assess Singapore’s local director and management presence rules, nominee disclosure updates, and governance expectations.
Foreign companies in Indonesia must assess when local directors should hold real authority and how governance choices affect risk and control.
How Vietnam’s employment contracts and probation rules affect foreign employers, workforce flexibility, and compliance risk in practice.
Foreign employers can distinguish between Malaysia’s contract of service and contract for service to manage hiring compliance, worker rights, and classification risks.
Thailand Introduces Digital Work Permit System for Foreign Employers
Payroll in Malaysia: Understanding Monthly Tax Deductions, EPF, and SOCSO Contributions
Which Philippine Work Visa Best Fits Foreign Investors
Employment Contracts in Indonesia: Fixed-Term Vs Permanent
Avoiding Penalties During Labor Inspections in Indonesia
Our firm Dezan Shira & Associates provides legal, tax and operational advisory across Asia.