Malaysia has begun returning 1,476 Myanmar nationals in the first phase of a wider repatriation plan, despite UNHCR and civil society groups warning that ongoing conflict and persecution mean Myanmar remains unsafe for return.
Phnom Penh’s proposals focus on intelligence and money tracing, legal cooperation, private-sector action and the safe return of trafficking victims.
The new fee will take effect from October 1 as the government expands welfare and protection services for migrant workers.
The three-year pact strengthens cooperation on rights violations, detention conditions, forced labour risks and access to social security.
Most new online visitor visa applications must use enhanced Immigration Online from Sept. 24, while existing drafts in the old system can still be submitted before Oct. 8.
Vietnam leads at 6.7%, while Aon’s latest attrition measure is at least 15.5% across all six Southeast Asian markets surveyed.
Ramanan says both sides seek a transparent system that protects workers while meeting industry labour needs.
About 2,000 organisations employing more than 45% of Singapore’s workforce will be covered, alongside new support for AI adoption, job redesign and HR development.
The Manpower Minister says employment data can help identify critical occupations and align training with industry needs.
About 500 exercised the right in 2026 as the DMW maintained safeguards for voyages through high-risk Middle East and Black Sea waters.
Suspended services are scheduled to return from Oct. 1, while the two carriers plan higher frequencies across their 2026 winter network.
The six-building development is planned for 640MW of IT capacity, with Building 1 planned to deliver 120MW in phases and its first contracted capacity targeted for early 2027.
The 7,500 sq m Loyang addition is expected to increase landing-gear overhaul capacity by 40% and create nearly 100 new jobs by 2030.
India’s mission in Kuala Lumpur says more nationals are arriving visa-free to seek jobs, while warning separately that false recruitment promises can leave travellers vulnerable to irregular status, detention and exploitation.
Odisha government reports 2,890 distressed workers rescued and Rs 3.58 crore paid in compensation to families.
The Education Ministry says the change follows discussions with MITI and aims to align ownership rules with the sector’s current needs.
The proposed fund would include matching grants aimed at attracting direct services from Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Middle East.
The Sept. 21 talks focused on advancing transport and energy projects that have faced slow progress.
A Filipina seasonal worker went more than four months without her passport; Jeongeup later said 59 passports had been returned late.
The consultation covers the 1.76-kilometre Thamrin–Kwitang segment in Central Jakarta, where authorities estimate about 88,288 square metres of land will be needed.
Justice Ministry figures show 3,572 Vietnamese nationals held the professional work status in August, up about 84% from 2022.
Payments reached 36.45 billion won in 2025, while Vietnamese nationals ranked second in a separate nationality breakdown covering January 2024 through July 2026.
Electronic non-oil domestic exports surged 131.8% in August, led by integrated circuits, disk media products and PCs, while a weak year-earlier base amplified overall growth.
Anutin tells provincial and district officials to act decisively against foreigners who violate laws, exploit locals or breach permit rules.
Immigration chief warns of fines and deportation for violations as migrant-rights group calls for legal pathways for small foreign-owned businesses.
Most returned over immigration violations, while Indonesian authorities say more than 4,100 citizens have been deported from Johor Bahru’s consular area this year.
The agency said Philippine posts in Saudi Arabia are monitoring workers and urged Filipinos to remain alert and follow local security guidance.
About 290,000 verified overseas vacancies were active as of Sept. 15, but the ministry says only around a quarter had been filled.
Technical talks are targeted to conclude in September as Jakarta seeks more formal-sector access for medium- and high-skilled Indonesian workers.
Acting Manpower Minister Jasmin Lau urged employers to explain automation and retraining plans and be frank about possible retrenchments or slower hiring.
KP2MI said the 143 returnees included two children and an eight-month-old baby, with airport processing continuing until around 2:30 a.m. WIB.
The end-June count was 154,400 above end-2025, while 16.2 million people, including 4.9 million children, needed humanitarian assistance.
University groups welcomed PhD exemptions, while sector leaders warned tighter migration and visa settings could deter overseas students and add to financial pressure.
OAG counted 154 destinations for Kuala Lumpur International Airport, which also retained first place in its global low-cost megahub ranking.
The United States led arrivals through August as DOT targets 6.4 million to 6.8 million international visitors for the full year.
Home minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail says authorities are targeting those manipulating the foreign worker system and producing fraudulent immigration documents.
Inspectors found violations at 73.2% of targeted workplaces employing technical interns and 76.5% of those employing Specified Skilled Workers in 2025.
Cash remittances from land- and sea-based overseas Filipino workers rose 1.9% year on year, lifting the January-July total to $20.39 billion.
Airbus expects Asia-Pacific passenger traffic to grow 5.1% annually, with about two-thirds of projected new aircraft supporting fleet expansion rather than replacement.
Cambodia says Thai forces dug a trench near Boundary Pillar No. 9 and has demanded that the reported work stop.
Domestic work, healthcare and manufacturing were among the main demand areas, with Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Singapore and Türkiye among the destinations.
Thai officials are reconsidering the timing of Thai Tiew Thai Plus and no longer plan to rush the proposed scheme to Cabinet in September.
Seventy-one patients had been discharged by 10 a.m. Sept. 14, while the on-site collective kitchen remained suspended and authorities continued investigating the cause.
The eight-week programme offers international students career guidance, practical information and cultural experiences in the South Korean capital.
The proposal would coordinate police, maritime enforcement, customs and immigration agencies, but it has not been approved or implemented.
The proposed visit comes as Malaysia prepares to return 1,476 Myanmar nationals from immigration detention under a programme it describes as voluntary.
New rules add electronic data sharing for immigration procedures and quarterly exchange of statistics on foreigners working with organizations and units subordinate to government bodies.
The 35 Regent Taipei recruits previously interned at the hotel, while the overseas route sets a NT$32,000 regular monthly pay floor and links hiring to local wage rises.
Career progression, purpose, job security and opportunities to grow are increasingly important in determining whether skilled workers stay, says Intan Shahira Mohd Shahru.
Companies risk weakening their future talent pipeline if artificial intelligence removes junior roles instead of reshaping how workers learn and progress, panellists say.
Malaysia must address shortages in specialised fields while creating more high-value jobs that make better use of graduates’ skills, says Taylor’s University academic.
Expert panel to examine foreign worker quotas, eligible duties and Japanese language requirements ahead of 2027 programme launch.
MT Forum put Malaysia’s talent mismatch in focus as official data show 35.2% skill underemployment and 195,700 private-sector vacancies.
The government plans to move 300 aviation workers into the new system without raising combined foreign worker intake.
Proposed flat-rate charge could be introduced in early 2027 to fund tourism infrastructure and safety improvements.
Overseas summer programmes lose appeal as parents prioritise tutoring amid a challenging domestic job market.
Ordinary passport holders from 60 countries and territories now receive up to 30 visa-free days for tourism, with separate 15-day, VOA and bilateral arrangements.
The New Delhi declaration keeps payment-system interoperability and local-currency settlement under discussion, while India says no common BRICS currency is currently proposed.
Cambodia is seeking a single maritime boundary and proposes joint development if that cannot be agreed, while Thailand says the proceeding should address delimitation only.
Vietnam said on Sept. 12 it had received 110 citizens through Nội Bài International Airport, with several cases being checked for suspected links to illegal-entry networks.
The new charges apply to applications accepted from Sept. 14, while eligible Japanese travelers can still enter China visa-free for up to 30 days.
Study and training arrivals rose 16.2% in 2025, while separate statistics counted 307,464 foreign students at higher-education institutions in 2026.
Applications open Nov. 16 through Enhanced Immigration Online, with graduates required to apply within three months of their student visa expiring.
Six people were confirmed dead and 108 rescued as more than 600 responders expanded the Java Sea operation on Monday.
Dhaka says Oman has expressed interest in recruiting 5,000 agricultural and 5,000 fisheries workers and that an agreement has been signed, with details still to be finalised.
The planned late-September rollout would route investment-linked foreign-worker services through OSS, with each service targeted at about four days and a five-day deadline.
A draft would allocate 300 aviation places to Employment for Skill Development and 4,600 to Specified Skilled Worker Type 1, with a Cabinet decision targeted for December.
Farm, tourism and business groups say slower processing and visa pauses threaten harvests, regional staffing and visitor spending.
Visa-free entries reached 23.72 million and accounted for 77.6% of foreign-national entries, according to China’s immigration authority.
The agreements cover worker training, certification, overseas labour-market mapping, safe migration and protection, with a separate nursing focus through AIPNI.
The strategy targets recruiters and credential checks, with limits on new international-student recruitment at some universities from the 2030 intake.
Preliminary July data show the labor force expanded faster than employment, while underemployment fell to 12.9%.
A separate non-representative survey found 53.9% of respondents borrowed money to cover pre-departure costs.
The proposed additional funding covers eligible Thai civilians and state personnel affected from Dec. 26, 2025, through July 23, 2026.
The 36-year-old suffered a head injury and limb fractures, while the MRT bureau also suspended hoisting at other work areas and said the construction team would review safety procedures.
KP2MI says the desk forms part of stronger pre-departure protection, including legal recruitment and action against deceptive overseas job ads.
The cases involve 98 Filipino seafarers; two died aboard Sidr, 14 survivors are home and 82 Black Sea crew members were reported safe.
Applications run through Dec. 11, with qualifying workers able to extend work authorization through Dec. 11, 2027 after completing required procedures.
Labour agreements establish rules on recruitment, employment, health checks and repatriation amid shortages in key sectors.
The system enables Malaysian missions to locate and assist citizens more quickly during emergencies overseas.
Jacob Coxon called for coordination before recursive self-improvement, warning that competition between leading AI labs could eventually force safety trade-offs.
The MITI minister says businesses should identify 3D jobs and review wages instead of relying heavily on cheaper foreign labour.
Nearly half of employers expect headcount to hold steady as hiring intentions remain seven points weaker than a year earlier.
Foreign visitors made 84.3% of 1,753 complaints, with accommodation and shopping problems leading the first seven months of 2026.
NDRRMA says 13,399 people have been rescued, while 599 foreign nationals remain unaccounted for after Lu Haitao’s Sept. 5 tunnel rescue.
Police separately documented fraudulent Facebook and Telegram recruitment among 249 returnees, while repatriation requests from Indonesians leaving Cambodia scam networks topped 12,000 this year.
The Sept. 5 agreement calls for more information exchange and coordination on trafficking, high-tech crime, drugs and transnational crime.
Taxi services, accommodation and shopping disputes top complaints as visitor arrivals surge.
Indonesia’s airline association says affected carriers serving Jakarta and Lampung could lose Rp10 billion to Rp19 billion a day from cancellations and additional operating and passenger-care costs.
Immigration had handled 43 emergency-stay applications across nine offices by Sept. 7, while 2,961 flights and about 341,000 passengers had been affected by Monday afternoon.
The September 5 measure covers goods made wholly or partly with forced labour as Vietnam faces a U.S. Section 301 tariff dispute.
Indonesia says citizenship confirmation will give affected children greater access to education, healthcare and legal protection.
The five-day shutdown affects 238,303 students, while workplaces in affected parts of Serian may operate with health precautions.
Closures at four InJourney-operated airports affected 2,300 flights and 268,539 passengers through 9 a.m. Monday.
The licences serve about one million workers as Saudi Arabia enforces accommodation rules for establishments with 20 or more workers.
Disbursed FDI reached an estimated $17.25 billion, up 12% and the highest January-August level in five years, led by manufacturing.
Most employers with lower-wage workers still plan built-in pay increases next year, even as companies remain cautious on wages and hiring.
Employers can apply from Sept. 14 to 29, while new construction-sector rules will allow more movement of E-9 workers between qualifying sites.
Minimum wages are set to rise across Japan, with recommended prefectural rates ranging from ¥1,085 to ¥1,280 an hour and taking effect on different dates from October.
The government considers restricting retroactive contributions to nationals of countries offering similar benefits to Koreans.
The pledge comes as the UN and rights groups question the safety of Malaysia’s planned repatriation of nearly 1,500 people.
Manufacturing accounts for 80 per cent of foreign workers under EPS as lawmakers call for reforms.
Workers who left Indonesia through unofficial channels faced issues including unpaid wages, sexual harassment and illness, according to local authorities.
New rule takes effect September 15 as authorities step up efforts to prevent foreigners from abusing the visa system.
Malaysia accounted for 15 per cent of Indonesia’s 1.53 million foreign tourist arrivals recorded during the month
VNAT estimates holiday tourist visits rose 18.1% from 2025, though this year’s total covers five days compared with four last year.
UN agency warns that ongoing conflict makes Myanmar unsafe for the planned return of 1,476 refugees on Sept 29.
AirAsia restored the direct Malaysia–Da Lat link on Sept. 2, with the route scheduled to operate four times a week.
The battery-powered line would run via Kuta, Legian and Seminyak, with its first section targeted to enter service in late 2028.
The expansion would lift the ministry’s network to roughly 50–60 centers as it targets as many as 330,000 trainees in 2026.
The new agreement covers trafficking in persons, cybercrime, Shari’ah, climate justice and other emerging legal challenges.
Authorities are checking whether the eight Indonesians were deceived by civilian job offers or knowingly entered foreign military service.
An ILO study of 1,237 ride-hailing and delivery workers found long hours, high costs, injury risks and limited protection when serious problems arise.
The number of foreign residents leaving without preserving their Business Manager status reached 953 in the first half of 2026, up from 246 a year earlier.
Government spokesman says statement by junior minister was not an official declaration by Bangladesh.
Two Filipino crew members died aboard the Saudi-flagged Sidr, while repatriation of their 14 surviving crewmates is being arranged through Oman.
The Sept. 10 hybrid event in Kuala Lumpur will examine skills shortages, talent mobility and competition for skilled people across Asia.
Melalan Airport has cancelled flights through Sept. 5, while smoke cut visibility at Pontianak to 600 metres on Sept. 2 and delayed all flights at one point.
Indonesian authorities are working with South Korea to verify claims that Indonesian nationals were lured into illegal labour schemes through alleged visa fraud.
The UN refugee agency warned that conditions in Myanmar remain unsafe as Malaysia prepares to return 1,476 people on Sept. 29.
The flat fare follows the route’s introductory period and applies only to the Blok M–Soekarno-Hatta service.
Ministry data show wide differences by residence status, with technical interns averaging ¥213,500 and Specified Skilled Workers ¥254,100.
The Rp145 billion cited by K-Sarbumusi was calculated by applying the highest alleged per-file charge to all 66,049 registrations. It is not a confirmed amount.
The crew members were repatriated after the DMW said their vessel was struck by a missile while berthed at Chornomorsk, Ukraine.
Cambodia’s anti-graft agency says Foreign Ministry-linked officials sold courtesy visas and extensions to foreign workers connected to scam compounds and casinos, while investigators traced assets and were preparing further charges.
Qualifying operators could receive support covering up to half of eligible initial costs as HCM City looks to develop more structured after-dark tourism products.
Indonesia’s Manpower Ministry is developing an upskilling, reskilling and cross-skilling approach as vocational training and internship programs expand.
The Indonesian Embassy says its initial assessment points to alleged visa-services fraud, while South Korean authorities have yet to confirm whether Indonesians were victimised.
Employees covered by qualifying shutdowns must receive at least 75% of their previous working-day wages, while employers must give three working days’ written notice.
Foreign businesses in selected telecoms, finance, related-company and petroleum services no longer need an additional Foreign Business Act permit, while sector-specific rules remain.
A Sept. 1 Education Ministry update said 141,207 students had been unable to attend school and 665 schools were severely damaged.
Bangladesh says Malaysia plans to take about 200,000 workers over six months, with phased deployments beginning in late September through a wider recruitment network.
Immigration authorities are increasing technology-based oversight of foreign nationals while developing drone surveillance for unofficial border routes.
Thai authorities revoked a 48-year-old American’s permission to stay and transferred him to immigration detention after his arrest in Phuket.
M. Saravanan pleaded not guilty to three graft charges alleging RM1.097 million in payments linked to approval of 1,000 foreign-worker quotas.
Fifteen operating North-South Expressway East sections handled 321,776 vehicle trips on Aug. 29, up 57.4% from Aug. 27 as National Day travel intensified.
The new center will initially target 200 participants, with recruitment planned from September for training in healthcare, construction, technical skills and languages.
The proposed framework would cover recruitment, employment and repatriation while addressing worker protections and responsibilities across the employment process.
HRD Korea is exploring a pathway for foreign nationals to compete nationally, potentially starting through regional contests already open to noncitizens.
Gan Kim Yong called for earlier training, job matching and career transitions as Singapore pushes wider AI adoption while unemployment remains low.
The two countries are pursuing safer recruitment, regular migration pathways and stronger safeguards for Filipino workers as they mark 60 years of diplomatic ties.
Permanent residence fees will rise twentyfold, while charges for renewing or changing residence status will also increase from October 1.
Jakarta has called on Southeast Asian nations to establish actionable crisis protocols to prevent millions of intra-regional migrant workers and maritime crews from being abandoned during emergencies.
The Jakarta Provincial Government has postponed the commercial launch of the 12.2-kilometer Kelapa Gading–Manggarai LRT line to complete universal accessibility facilities and conclude ministerial safety testing.
Malaysia has set Sept. 29 for the voluntary return of 1,476 Myanmar nationals in the first phase of a planned 5,000-person repatriation programme.
The Tourism Minister says Malaysian licences do not automatically meet regulatory requirements in other countries, stressing the need to prevent fraud and protect applicants.
Five scholars from Sabah and Sarawak make up a record 25 per cent of Malaysia’s latest Chevening cohort, while eight will study at universities in Scotland.
New regulation gives the Interior Minister greater authority to order deportations while setting procedures for repatriation and third-country transfers.
Vietnam's National Assembly voted Monday to pass a sweeping revision of its overseas-labor law, expanding bans on risky work and adding new fee and timeline protections for workers, set to take effect March 1, 2027.
The 11-member team will support rescue efforts for missing South Koreans and check on nationals stranded in Nepal’s flood-hit Rasuwa district.
A new report highlights severe financial and health coverage gaps facing long-term non-national residents reaching retirement across the Gulf corridor.
Statistics Indonesia's labor mobility report highlights persistent human capital gaps among overseas workers, as traditional corridors in Malaysia and Saudi Arabia continue to dominate outbound flows.
A proposed Department of Homeland Security rule seeks a $103,265 petition fee on skilled foreign workers, placing heavy financial burdens on Asia-Pacific technology talent corridors.
NRD says presence at its offices does not indicate MyKad applications, while a Malaysian birth certificate does not confer citizenship.
International students boost local businesses while supporting Malaysia’s higher education sector.
MOM says migrant workers may hesitate to report salary disputes due to concerns over job security, while new channels aim to make it easier for them to seek help.
PT Bank Rakyat Indonesia has introduced its mobile banking app in Taiwan, offering digital transactions and remittance services for Indonesian migrant workers.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said Saturday his administration will roll out the city's own LPDP scholarship program in 2027, fully funded by the provincial government, days after fending off a city council push to delay it.
The first Italian Research Day in the World event in Jakarta brought BRIN, ICTP and the Italian Liver Foundation together to explore wider research and talent-development links.
The new system will streamline the entire work permit process, from company registration and approval to permit issuance and verification.
The Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers is coordinating with diplomats to identify potential job placements in several technical and hospitality sectors.
Taiwan’s Labour Ministry says migrant workers can receive legal assistance and interpretation services for occupational accident cases, with coverage set to expand to criminal trials from January.
The bank partners with welfare, tax and administrative organisations to provide foreign residents with assistance on visas, labour, welfare, taxes and daily life.
Four years after two Sri Lankan migrant workers helped save Air Force pilots from a jet crash off Hwaseong, the Justice Ministry moved them from a temporary humanitarian permit onto a long-term E-7-4 work-visa track.
The enhanced SGAC will offer 19 language options and new passport-scanning features to make arrival declarations easier for travellers.
Malaysian employers are urging a data-driven review of the RM1,700 minimum wage, saying future adjustments should consider living costs, productivity, business capacity and Malaysia’s competitiveness.
Two foreign managers were ordered to apologise and sign undertakings, with repeat offences potentially leading to work permit revocation and deportation.
Kuwait remains the fourth-largest GCC source of remittances to the Philippines, with Filipino workers sending US$286.1 million in the first half of 2026.
South Korea's civil rights watchdog has recommended granting a re-employment permit to a migrant worker facing deportation due to an employer's administrative mistake.
Lestari Moerdijat cited new data showing more than 2,900 trafficking victims reported in Indonesia this year as she pressed for an update to the 2007 anti-trafficking law, arguing it can't keep pace with digital-era recruitment scams.
Indonesia aims to help at least 100,000 people with disabilities build job-ready skills through training, specialized modules and a new vocational center in Bekasi.
Police said more than 400 customers may have been affected in a case involving more than 16 million baht.
Macao SAR passport holders can now obtain a tourist visa on arrival in Qatar free of charge for stays of up to 30 days, subject to entry requirements.
Thailand approved 736 foreign businesses from January through July 2026, while reported investment linked to the approvals rose 37% to THB219.208 billion.
Thailand will propose a 2026–2030 regional skills-certification framework and pilot an ASEAN Digital Skills Passport at labour meetings beginning Aug. 23 in Bangkok.
Foreign visitors generated an estimated THB957.62 billion through Aug. 15, while the year-on-year decline narrowed from 3.19% at the start of August.
The pact gives Immigration and MCMC a formal route to share intelligence and conduct joint investigations as scams, trafficking and identity abuse increasingly involve digital networks.
The new multiple-entry visa offers skilled professionals a faster route to temporary and permanent residence.
Flight MH89 was cancelled after an Airbus A330-300 experienced an engine-related technical issue at Narita Airport, with all 160 passengers and crew safe.
The state government is compiling district-level data while stressing that refugee registration and related permits fall under federal jurisdiction.
Applications from capped countries have been paused for the current financial year, while processing times for other applicants are also increasing.
Malaysia targets faster processing through integrated security and immigration systems ahead of the Johor Bahru-Singapore rail link’s expected 2027 launch.
SMK Go Global programme seeks to strengthen vocational training, certification and foreign language skills to prepare Indonesians for international employment.
The military-backed government says 308,797 refugees are verified as former Rakhine residents as repatriation efforts remain stalled.
KAI Commuter says trains on the Bogor-Jakarta Kota line shifted to single-track operation after a person was struck near Tebet Station on Thursday morning, and the person's condition had not been confirmed by late morning.
Experts call for gradual expansion of English use, stronger teacher capacity and greater use of technology.
Chinese tourists are expected to take 179 million overseas trips in 2026, with Hong Kong, Macau and South Korea benefiting from shifting travel preferences.
City authorities and Tzu Chi volunteers provide medical screenings and follow-up support to workers who face barriers accessing healthcare.
Rural unemployment fell to 4.5% while urban joblessness edged higher, as labour-force participation and the worker-population ratio both improved.
The home minister says recycled claims about citizenship and 1.2 million Chinese nationals are false and could fuel racial tensions and threaten public order.
The proposal would cover selected overseas talent needed by the state, with integrity screening and a citizenship-law amendment required before it can take effect.
Two workers were seriously injured after old unexploded ordnance detonated in an agricultural area near Metula, as Thai officials coordinated medical assistance and compensation.
With 116,000 caregivers potentially needed by 2028, experts warn foreign recruitment will not solve poor pay and working conditions.
Foreign nationals legally entering or residing in Vietnam can now apply for a single electronic identification account, with biometric registration and faster processing under new regulations.
Section 64 registrations dropped by more than 21,000 between March and November 2025, while returning Cambodian workers increasingly found jobs at home.
BEM UI called students to join an Aug. 18 action aimed at Bundaran HI in Central Jakarta, bringing eight demands and explicitly urging workers to take part.
BNPB reported 68 deaths and 213 injuries by Monday, while a Tuesday provincial update recorded 7,968 damaged homes in affected areas of East Nusa Tenggara.
Australia’s 2025-26 visitor-arrival total was the second-highest financial-year result on record but remained 2.6% below the 2018-19 peak.
AirAsia Group plans to cut third-quarter capacity by 20% to 25% from a year earlier to safeguard profitability before gradually rebuilding capacity in the fourth quarter.
The Chinese ride-hailing group swung back to a second-quarter profit as China mobility set another transaction record and its international business continued rapid growth.
Malaysia recorded 195,700 job vacancies in Q2 2026, with semi-skilled roles making up 54.8% of openings and services leading new job creation.
South Korea’s SEED initiative groups seven strategic technology areas under one programme and includes a ₩10 trillion materials and equipment investment plan through 2030.
Official figures show Singapore’s ONE Pass population grew from around 3,600 holders in December 2023 to 6,300 a year later and 8,500 by December 2025.
Prosecutors allege a decade-long New York operation arranged more than 1,000 sham marriages and charged clients up to $100,000 to pursue U.S. permanent residence.
The current window covers agriculture and livestock, fisheries, forestry, construction and services, while the ministry's published third-round allocation totals 12,630 workers.
Immigration authorities are studying new regulations as the growing presence of remote workers raises questions over taxation and work permits.
Affordability and accessibility drive demand for healthcare across the Causeway, while experts urge patients to consider total treatment costs.
Eligible informal waste sorters can access BPJS employment protection, with work-accident and death-insurance contributions halved from Rp16,800 to Rp8,400 in 2026.
New regulations introduce stricter checks on travellers, entry bans for some foreigners and registration requirements for immigration service providers.
South Korea added 108,000 jobs from a year earlier in July, but youth employment fell by about 191,000 and the unemployment rate stood at 2.6%.
The IIMM says Myanmar’s military escalated deliberate aerial attacks before elections completed in January, alongside torture, sexual violence and other alleged crimes.
Global youth unemployment rose to 12.4 per cent in 2025 as the ILO warned that weaker job creation and AI-related disruption could make young people’s entry into decent work harder.
Authorities are expanding inspections and multilingual heat-safety guidance while enforcing existing rest requirements and recommending staged outdoor-work restrictions during dangerous temperatures.
The move aims to strengthen coordination on foreign nationals facing deportation and address gaps in local public services.
Renewal will expand cooperation on protecting Indonesian migrant workers and supporting their reintegration after returning home.
Vietnam will accept applications Aug. 24-26 for a South Korea EPS selection round targeting 500 fisheries workers and 400 agriculture workers.
The Labour Department ended processing of Waso Cafe’s pending labour-import application and will refuse to process any further ESLS applications from the company for one year.
Thailand’s Maritime Labour Committee is considering updates to hazardous-work restrictions and permitted duties for younger seafarers under the Maritime Labour Convention framework.
Growing concerns over public security and immigration drive a rise in opposition.
The Home Ministry says biometric and identity data collection covers refugees nationwide and will support future repatriation efforts.
Digital payment transactions surged in 2025 as Indonesia expands QRIS connectivity with key tourism markets.
More than 200 Filipino shipyard workers raise employment and welfare concerns during town hall with the Department of Migrant Workers chief.
The number of people accounted for reached 173, 42 more than listed on the ferry's original manifest, as authorities worked to establish how many people were aboard.
The government-backed subsidy aims to ease air travel costs for Malaysian students studying away from their home states.
Qualifying U.S. employers could face an extra $4,000 or $4,500 on more H-1B and L-1 extensions, increasing recurring sponsorship costs for companies reliant on APAC talent.
Australia and Vietnam agreed to support supply chains in critical minerals, semiconductors and clean energy as bilateral goods and services trade reached A$30.0 billion in 2025.
Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry said embassy officials were working with Saudi authorities to identify the victims and arrange the repatriation of their bodies.
The first 2026 intake offers 50,000 six-month placements with government-funded allowances, as Indonesia targets 150,000 participants across three batches this year.
The three days of departures included 125 manufacturing workers and 40 agriculture workers, with another 77 manufacturing workers scheduled to travel on Aug. 17 and 18.
A three-month DCT Abu Dhabi tourism initiative, reported by UAE media, covers visa costs for qualifying Indian holiday packages through October 31.
Domestic travel reached 630.41 million trips from January to June 2026, up 2.71% from a year earlier, while the government seeks stronger tourism-industry performance in the third quarter.
Singapore ranked among the world’s biggest destinations for foreign direct investment as Southeast Asia overtook East Asia as developing Asia’s leading recipient subregion.
The original wildfire affected about 550 hectares before being extinguished, but authorities are battling roughly 20 hectares of new fires around the caldera while tourist access remains suspended.
Authorities step up checks on international marriages to prevent exploitation and forced marriages.
Kedah authorities seek to promote the island’s traditional lifestyle, local food and cultural attractions to a wider domestic and international market.
Proposed measures could tighten family and working-holiday visa settings and encourage temporary residents to leave, but the government has yet to finalise the package.
The 2026 intake will focus on candidates with existing job-specific skills, while KP2MI releases refer to targets of 40,000 trainees and 40,000 placements.
The government says no refugee will be returned if their lives are found to be at risk.
The move aims to address labour shortages and support key economic sectors.
Annual Primary Care Plan rates will range from S$97–S$113 from April 2027, while most covered migrant workers will have a clinic within 2km of home.
Proposed change would extend the maximum stay from three years and could affect foreign workers seeking permanent residency.
Grab said affordable ride options helped lift mobility transactions 28%, while more than $7 million in earnings support helped active driver-partners increase 19%.
AirAsia will provide airfare support valued at $100,000 annually to help Orbis teams work with hospitals, training institutions and eye-care professionals across the region.
New air routes are expected to strengthen people-to-people ties under strategic partnership.
Air India said 13 passengers and four crew members were taken to hospitals after the Phuket–Delhi flight landed safely, while investigators secured the aircraft’s flight recorders.
Anutin proposed closer action against drugs, online scams and money laundering as the two sides exchanged documents on labour, water management and Earth-observation technology.
The project began in 2015 and was suspended in 2016, while any eventual railway connection to Wonsan would require North Korean cooperation.
Authorities said the applications were rejected over suspected misuse as part of broader efforts to prevent trafficking and irregular migration.
TransNusa said it planned two daily round trips between Jakarta and Bangkok from Aug. 6, with introductory one-way fares starting at IDR 2,999,000.
The Aug. 5 calendar covers Japan and five overseas countries, with separate assessments of nursing-care skills and Japanese used in care workplaces.
Revised guidelines to apply retroactively to pending applications submitted from April.
Eight Myanmar nationals arrested as authorities investigate alleged abuse of foreign worker management system.
The Cabinet-approved drafts would update legal recruitment, contract terms and protections for Myanmar workers, with Labour Minister Julapun Amornvivat expecting them to be signed during ASEAN labour meetings on Aug. 23–28.
Chinese visitors drive spending growth while demand for dermatology and wellness services accelerates.
The contribution will support protection, essential services, skills programmes and disaster-risk reduction under Australia’s 2026–28 humanitarian assistance package.
Applications will remain open until the annual allocation is filled, allowing successful Thai applicants to work and travel in New Zealand for up to 12 months.
First-half international passenger numbers rose 2.1%, supported by growth on routes including Guangzhou, Kuala Lumpur and Hong Kong despite a weaker second quarter.
The food service sector encourages foreign employees to upgrade visa status amid workforce crunch.
Applicants using TOEFL to meet Singapore’s English-language requirement must now achieve profession-specific scores on the test’s 1–6 scale and clear every component in one sitting.
A final rule effective August 3 requires otherwise eligible B-1/B-2 applicants who are nationals of designated countries to post refundable bonds of up to $20,000 unless the requirement is waived.
Layoffs rise in the second quarter as business restructuring offsets a resilient labour market.
The 30-seat Transjakarta experience offers an 85-minute city journey with a three-course Indonesian meal, live violin music and historical storytelling.
The government unveils a roadmap to implement Global Compact for Migration and enhance labour mobility governance.
Bangkok disputed displacement classifications and denied having a policy of expelling Cambodian workers after Tom Andrews called for about 20,000 civilians to be allowed home.
The union-run centre will provide labour-rights information, legal assistance and safety support, with outreach across Selangor and Perak.
Basarnas said 234 people had been evacuated from a provisional total of 236 as officials continued checking the ferry’s manifest.
Government tightens rules against tourist overcharging to sustain inbound travel growth.
DOSM’s latest report, published on July 29, showed 7.05 million Malaysian citizens in formal employment, while their median monthly wage rose only 0.9 per cent to RM3,027.
From April 1, 2027, support providers will face tighter staffing and training requirements, while people trained under older arrangements must pass skills and Japanese-language tests.
Six Immigration personnel and a police officer are among those investigated over 1,306 allegedly fraudulent foreign-worker passes and an estimated RM2.4 million government loss.
Governments target implementation by end-2026 through technical agreements and business cooperation.
Indonesia wants a clearer route into longer-term work in Japan, more regional qualification tests and measures to keep visa and placement costs affordable.
Prosecutors allege altered Foodpanda application allowed foreigners to bypass identity checks and work using others' accounts.
The Human Resources Ministry says the new system will reduce middlemen, strengthen transparency and protect migrant workers.
Record quarterly revenue of S$5.71 billion and higher passenger yields were outweighed by a 78.5% jump in net fuel costs and a higher share of losses from Air India.
Police said customs officers found 70,114 ecstasy capsules and a package of methamphetamine in the pilot’s luggage at Terminal 3.
On July 28, South Korean government approved tougher penalties for misleading accommodation prices while recording 10.71 million foreign visitors in the first half of 2026.
Foreign minister calls for stricter screening and greater cooperation as experts urge a long-term national refugee framework.
The Labour Ministry says reforms are required under trade pact with the United States despite industry concerns.
Human Resources Ministry to speed up applications while maintaining priority for Malaysian jobseekers.
Eligible participants in Binawan’s Japan programmes can apply through Bank Mandiri for government-subsidised placement loans of up to Rp100 million.
Taiwan will proceed with plans to stop migrant workers in manufacturing and fishing from being charged recruitment fees and related costs.
The Ministry seeks stronger partnerships to develop age-friendly travel services and wellness experiences.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said Myanmar had agreed to receive an initial 5,000 Rohingya from Malaysia, although no timeline or transfer arrangements were announced.
The government exempts Southeast Asian students from a 25 per cent visa fee hike as education links remain a priority.
Saudi Arabia reported 13,251 repatriations as nationwide inspections recorded 14,970 residency, labour and border-security violations from July 16 to 22.
BP3MI Kepulauan Riau head Imam Riyadi says 2,500 Indonesian migrant workers were placed overseas through legal channels in the first half of 2026.
Jakarta eyes faster worker deployment while exploring Turkish language training for hospitality jobs.
Myanmar’s Union Parliament approved the bill after amendments, retaining capital punishment for specified abuse tied to forced scam work.
State pledges employment, financial aid and industrial development following Sikkim tunnel tragedy.
Amendments under Law No. 9 of 2026 took effect July 25, including changes involving non-competes, vocational certification, workplace committees and strike rules.
Travel agencies halt Morocco bookings as foreign ministry investigates reported changes.
Indonesia’s Social Affairs Ministry says government-funded rehabilitation for trafficking survivors covers psychosocial care, economic empowerment and reintegration, with 3,212 victims receiving social rehabilitation from 2024 through July 2026.
Japan plans new financial and integration standards for permanent residency, with most revised criteria expected to apply from April 2027.
Short-term language programme restarts despite strained bilateral ties and ongoing war in Ukraine.
Laos recorded 2,590,511 foreign tourists from January through June 2026, with Thailand, China and Vietnam accounting for 80.9% of arrivals.
He says labour shortages in priority sectors, including restaurants, must be addressed without compromising recruitment controls.
India said conflict-related airspace restrictions caused about 26,000 international flight cancellations by Indian carriers through July 20.
The Jakarta interviews are part of the eighth intake of a government programme preparing Indonesian nurses for possible employment in Germany.
Ho Chi Minh City received US$4.037 billion in remittances during the first half of 2026, down 22.8% year on year despite a modest second-quarter recovery.
From September 11, eligible public documents can avoid consular certification or legalisation when used between Vietnam and participating countries.
Authorities investigate suspected false declarations, phantom workers and illegal employment agency activities.
The two countries deepen transport, defence and security cooperation during the China visit.
The Indonesian airport operator said operating revenue rose 3%, with non-aeronautical businesses contributing about 38% of the total.
Judges rule citizenship follows foreign mothers under the Federal Constitution despite Malaysian fathers.
The island nation eyes stronger cooperation in trade, tourism, investment and skilled workforce development.
Eight Pakistani and two Iraqi nationals were sent to prosecutors over allegations that they used false information and documents to obtain investor limited-stay permits.
Granite-Integral’s investment will support Omio’s transport inventory, local partnerships and regional teams, including its Singapore technology hub.
Singapore will modernise air-navigation systems, expand control facilities and recruit more controllers as Changi prepares for three-runway operations.
Malaysia Airports recorded 51 million passenger movements in the first half of 2026 as international growth offset weaker domestic traffic.
The agreement gives eligible Asta Karya trainees a route to seek subsidised financing for the costs of preparing for internships in Japan.
CELIOS says UK partnerships should strengthen Indonesia’s 4,303 existing institutions rather than support 10 new medical and science universities.
Thailand is accepting applications until July 31 for 220 production and technical jobs in Singapore, with monthly pay reaching about THB44,472.
Cambodia said 20,281 people, including 10,331 women and 6,066 children, remained unable to return home as of July 23.
Malaysia’s Immigration Department said people from 114 countries had joined the voluntary return programme by July 15, generating RM137.76 million.
Vietnam’s revised accommodation rules send foreign guest declarations through a ministry-managed system to local police from July 24.
Malaysia instructed UNHCR to pause new refugee registrations while reorganising its government-run system and preparing the conditional return of about 5,000 Myanmar detainees.
Healthcare travel from Cambodia generated RM30 million as Malaysia expands regional outreach.
Over 41,000 foreigners detained this year as authorities intensify action against immigration offences.
KP2MI plans to link vocational training with overseas vacancies as it targets 500,000 skilled migrant worker placements from 2026 to 2029.
Immigration authorities said 451 foreigners were detained through July 15 for allegedly working or conducting business after entering Malaysia as visitors.
Malaysia’s Immigration Department collected RM2.6 billion through June, with the Home Ministry aiming to exceed RM5 billion for the full year.
Canada is set to provide CAD1.7 million to help Philippine communities shield children from exploitation and recruitment by criminal and terrorist networks.
Vietnam scheduled 200 workers to depart for South Korea on July 21 under the EPS programme, including 178 in manufacturing.
Sarawak-owned airline to launch Singapore and Jakarta routes as regional expansion begins.
Indonesia’s law minister claimed annual citizenship applications reach 1,000–1,500 as higher naturalisation and renunciation fees prepare to take effect.
The Justice Department’s case against Murtaza Ali is among 10 civil denaturalisation actions filed across the United States within 30 days.
Bandung District Court jailed 19 people for trafficking at least 34 infants, including children sent to Singapore, with terms of up to seven years.
Indonesia says a proposed channel for placing workers in Gyeongnam shipyards is on hold while South Korea reviews its regional visa pilot.
A new UN report says scam networks in South-East Asia cost victims up to $114.1 billion in 2025, fueling trafficking for forced criminality.
Foreign airlines drove most of Vietnam’s international passenger growth through June 15, lifting total traffic 15.4% to 26.2 million.
The Philippine Embassy in Brussels began processing electronic visitor visas on July 20, extending the country’s e-Visa rollout across Europe.
Japan is reportedly preparing a mid-year increase of about 230 immigration personnel to expand enforcement and accelerate residence-status reviews.
The EU report says migration is needed to offset workforce decline, while Asia remains a major region for global labour mobility.
Kedah immigration officers detained 34 Myanmar, Bangladeshi and Indonesian nationals at a poultry farm in Jitra during a July 17 operation.
Nine commercial ships carrying about 139 Filipino seafarers were attacked over two weeks, leaving two dead, 12 injured and one missing.
The airport operator seeks more direct international flights beyond Jakarta and Bali.
Visa-free entry for Philippines, Thailand and Brunei extended until July 2027.
New DHS rule limits stay periods as Trump administration increases scrutiny of legal immigration.
Vietnam’s disaster authority said on July 19 that floods killed five people in Lai Châu, left three missing and damaged homes across four northern provinces.
The move aims to maintain labour supply for key industries while allowing workers to complete legal procedures.
Decline driven by sharp drop in Chinese tourists and reduced flight capacity.
IATA said on July 16 that Asia-Pacific held nine of 2025’s 10 busiest airport pairs; Vietnam logged 80.9 million passenger journeys, up 14.8%.
Malaysia said on July 16 that it will develop a national mechanism to register and manage refugees and asylum seekers under Directive No. 23.
Under Vietnam's official government plan published on July 16, monthly wage floors would rise by VND310,000 to VND390,000 across the country's regions in 2027.
Cirium said on July 16 that 83.71% of completed flights in its Southeast Asia airline ranking reached the gate within 15 minutes of schedule in June.
The DMW closed a Legazpi consultancy on July 16 after applicants for jobs in Australia were allegedly charged an initial ₱10,000, followed by additional fees reaching as much as ₱350,000.
Thailand approved 15-day visa-free stays for Mauritius and Seychelles and visas on arrival for Azerbaijan, Belarus and Serbia, pending Gazette publication.
Airport Authority Hong Kong said HKIA handled 63 million passengers in FY2025/26 as Terminal 2 opened in phases and regional links expanded.
Indonesia will raise citizenship fees on August 1 to Rp25 million for foreign spouses and Rp75 million for general naturalisation applicants.
The Philippine central bank said overseas Filipinos sent US$2.713 billion through banks in May, lifting January–May remittances to US$14.110 billion.
ACI World’s final 2025 rankings put Kuala Lumpur 20th with 63.4 million passengers as Shanghai Pudong and Tokyo Haneda advanced.
IOM and UNHCR said on July 16 that two boats carrying more than 500 people, mostly Rohingya, may have capsized after leaving Myanmar’s Rakhine State.
The agency says restructuring is aimed at strengthening in-house product ownership, not AI-driven downsizing.
The president says greater opportunities to study, work and connect across the Causeway will deliver lasting strategic benefits for both countries.
He said the existing migrant workforce should fill vacancies before new recruitment is approved.
The Philippines opened its 43rd Migrant Workers Office in Phnom Penh on July 14, providing local support for Filipinos working across Cambodia.
AgiBot said Southeast Asian factories and warehouses are adopting robots as labour shortages and rising operating costs pressure employers.
The city invites nominations for foreigners who have made outstanding contributions to Seoul.
APJATI asked KP2MI in Jakarta on July 14 to review planned license revocations affecting 61 placement agencies with no worker placements for a year.
Thailand’s foreign minister said in Bangkok on July 16 that mobility remains impeded within ASEAN, calling for deeper integration and faster regional decisions.
Thailand’s cabinet approved a one-year extension for about 770,000 Lao, Myanmar and Vietnamese workers, pending two ministerial notices.
The Kuala Lumpur Immigration Department recorded 845 charges involving 801 foreign nationals through June 30 and collected RM10.04 million in compounds.
The Philippines said 10,580 migrant workers, other Filipinos and dependents had returned from conflict-affected areas, including 50 from Kuwait.
Cabinet approves 30-day visa exemption for visitors from India and five other countries after concerns over falling arrivals, while maintaining a broader tightening of entry rules.
A UK court jailed Duc Quang Ta for eight years for helping smuggle 22 Vietnamese nationals into Britain, some in refrigerated lorries, the CPS said July 13.
EASA advised covered operators on July 14 to avoid airspace over Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, the UAE and part of the Gulf of Oman until July 29.
Thailand’s Cabinet approved draft rules on July 14 setting six categories and a formal process for considering the deportation of foreign nationals.
Malaysia’s Immigration Department detained 503 foreign nationals after checking 2,260 people at 16 locations during a nationwide operation ending July 13.
The government steps up refugee registration, border enforcement and anti-trafficking measures.
18 migrants detained in Kuala Lumpur enforcement operation.
South Korean city to provide up to 6 million won per new employee for eligible firms.
A July 12 fire at a Bangkok music bar killed at least 28 people and injured 71, with a 21-year-old Lao migrant worker among the dead.
MOHE sees opportunities in postgraduate studies, research and talent development.
China Eastern launched three weekly Beijing Daxing–Bali flights on July 11, giving travellers a fifth mainland Chinese gateway with direct Bali service.
Another 25 were approved for the pilot employment initiative as the government prepares the second phase.
More than 19,000 Indonesians are currently studying in Taiwan, the representative says.
Combined reports showed Zhejiang and Fujian relocated at least 2.86 million people before Typhoon Bavi struck eastern China and disrupted transport.
DPMM says FWCMS reform could improve transparency but must remain responsive to industry needs.
Bangladesh’s disaster ministry said 51 people died and 1,022,963 were affected, with 267,918 families marooned across seven districts.
Online visa service allows eligible visitors to apply remotely for stays beyond 30 days.
Overseas Pakistani workers sent a record US$41.6 billion home in FY2025–26, up 8.6 percent despite an 18.3 percent monthly fall in June.
Indonesia recorded 608,076 arrivals by ASEAN passport holders in May, up 11.06% year on year and accounting for about 44% of international arrivals.
Agoda said searches rose 154% for Dharamshala, 65% for Rishikesh and 17% for Uttarkashi, with interest from several Asian markets.
Coverage remains mandatory for foreign workers under existing legal provisions.
The new immigration policy takes effect on July 15 for regular passport holders.
Naturalisation remains available for eligible applicants as the government targets a one-year processing period.
Thai authorities sought 40 arrest warrants after reviewing 164 registrations involving Chinese mothers and Thai fathers; 20 have been confirmed false.
New workation visa lowers income threshold and extends maximum stay to three years.
Malaysia’s Immigration Department said on July 8 it detained 10 Bangladeshis in Kuala Lumpur and later arrested a suspected local transporter with four Indian workers.
India expects QRIS-UPI integration with Indonesia to be completed by end-2026 for users and merchants in both countries.
ILO said on July 8 that nearly 80 million ASEAN workers have more than minimal GenAI exposure, with Singapore and the Philippines showing the highest shares.
AirAsia listed 14 cancelled sectors across eight flight numbers on July 10, affecting routes connecting Malaysia and Thailand with Taiwan and Japan.
Malaysia and Thailand opened a new Sadao–Bukit Kayu Hitam road on July 10, connecting border checkpoints used by travellers and freight operators.
Federal ministry to assess whether Borneo states' system can be adapted for Peninsular Malaysia.
Thai police launched SHIELD in Bangkok on July 3 to share real-time intelligence on scam compounds, trafficking networks and cross-border crime.
Cambodia has registered nearly 6,000 former migrant workers returning from Thailand for skills testing, with more than 5,400 certified.
Indonesia’s immigration directorate said in Jakarta on July 7 that H1 2026 visa revenue rose 6.42% to about Rp2.82 trillion despite lower issuance.
Hanoi’s Noi Bai airport has added biometric kiosks for domestic passengers at Terminal 1, with 2,000–3,000 successful transactions a day.
Singapore’s Manpower Ministry said in a July 7 parliamentary reply that two firms lost work-pass privileges after levy defaults tied to 407 migrant-worker salary claims.
Kesuma centralises the approval process through an online system, removing direct applications with ministry officials.
Both sides discuss workforce development, green jobs and halal industry certification.
Anwar says the initiative aims to ease congestion and improve cross-border travel.
The Ministry says foreign enrolment strengthens universities while local students remain the priority.
Immigration New Zealand said a Palmerston North employer was sentenced on July 6 after demanding money from a Sri Lankan migrant worker.
South Korea’s Justice Ministry said July 6 that foreign-worker abuse reports rose more than sixfold after 1345 added a dedicated hotline option.
Malaysia’s Human Resources Ministry plans a temporary arrival centre for 1,000 to 2,000 foreign workers entering the country before employer collection.
The last three Filipino crew members of MV Epaminondas returned to Manila on July 6, completing the repatriation of 10 seafarers from the vessel.
Talent development, scholarships and university collaboration identified as key priorities.
Canada and the Philippines signed a July 2 labour migration declaration in Vancouver, setting recruitment and protection principles for Filipino migrant workers.
Vietnam will cut visa-free stays for Indonesian ordinary passport holders to 14 days from July 15, 2026, the Indonesian Embassy in Hanoi said.
Singapore PM Lawrence Wong called in Jakarta on July 6 for more Indonesia flight links, with BPS recording 136,740 Singapore passport visits in May.
Indonesia’s Migrant Worker Protection Ministry said 1,063 candidates took a July 4-5 skill test in Semarang for South Korea’s G-to-G fishery placement route.
Bali immigration authorities said on July 3 they deported 342 foreign nationals in January-June 2026 for violations including stay-permit misuse and overstays.
Immigration New Zealand said on July 6 that Business Investor Work Visa applicants can now use franchise investments, resident-entity purchases and lawful gifted capital.
Oman Air began Muscat-Singapore flights on July 2, while SalamAir launched its first scheduled Indonesia route with direct Muscat-Medan service.
Malaysia’s Home Ministry said MyNIISe recorded 19.48 million QR transactions at Johor’s BSI and KSAB checkpoints as of June 28, with use also expanding at five airports.
Taiwan’s NIA said prosecutors indicted 9 suspects over a scheme using Taiwanese passport holders and airport document swaps to send Chinese nationals to Canada.
Deputy Prime Minister Says Green Transition Opens Doors For Wider EU–ASEAN Collaboration.
Indonesia is negotiating with Cambodia so about 1,840 citizens in immigration detention can avoid overstay fines while awaiting return.
South Korea extended a visa application fee waiver for group tourists from six countries through December 31, 2026, as inbound tourism keeps recovering.
Singapore’s MOM opened applications on July 1 for grants of up to $250,000 to fund pop-up recreation spaces for migrant workers from October 1.
Indonesia’s immigration directorate said July 1 it is working with ITB on Pagar Digital, a drone system for vulnerable land and sea borders.
The new structure aims to improve convenience, security and long-term cost savings for travellers.
Inbound net remittances from West Asia to India rose 70% to $16 billion in April despite regional war, the Ministry of Finance reported on June 30.
Singapore's Ministry of Manpower raised the Local Qualifying Salary to S$1,800 a month on July 1, tightening how employers count local staff toward foreign worker hiring quotas.
Global air passenger demand fell 2.2% year-on-year in May due to conflict in the Middle East and domestic contractions in China, IATA reported on June 30.
CAAS and SESAR JU signed a declaration in Lisbon on May 26 to improve long-term air traffic management between Singapore and Europe-Asia routes.
The Australian government raised the minimum salary thresholds for employer-sponsored skilled visas on July 1, lifting the core income floor to AUD 79,423.
Indonesia’s foreign ministry said July 1 that two Indonesian fishing crew remain missing off Busan after a June 25 collision involving eight crew.
The KIAT programme aims to address labour shortages and boost economic growth outside Seoul.
Australia’s Department of Home Affairs increased the international student visa fee to $2,500 on July 1 to manage migration pressures affecting subclass 500 applicants.
IOM’s World Migration Report 2026 Chapter 4 update says high remittance costs, weak fee transparency and limited access reduce money migrants send home.
France’s SKEMA Business School said on June 29 it signed 30 academic partnership agreements across 25 countries, including nine in Asia.
New Zealand’s government said on May 28 that Budget 2026 allocates NZ$18 million over four years for frontline teams targeting migrant exploitation and immigration non-compliance.
Singapore’s Manpower Ministry said May 28 it charged two locals and Wonderful Agency over false claims in 14 work pass applications and $500 kickback.
Indonesia’s Migrant Worker Ministry said on June 30 it is ready to help recruit Indonesian health workers for New Brunswick, with recruitment planned for November 2026 and placements targeted for Q2 2027.
Malaysia Airlines said on June 29 it will restore daily Kuala Lumpur-Doha flights on July 2 through MH164/165, with MH160/161 still suspended.
New measures aimed at tackling declining birthrates exclude migrant domestic workers and live-in caregivers.
President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris on May 28, with talks covering a new business council, IEU-CEPA, defence, energy, education and research.
Agoda said Malaysia remained the top school-holiday destination for Malaysian families, with Vietnam searches up 85%, China 51%, and Singapore and Japan 43%.
Singapore Airlines and Air New Zealand said on May 28 they plan to add 72,000 seats between Singapore and New Zealand during Northern Winter 2026.
Panel highlights weakening multilateral norms, fragmented governance and rising unilateralism shaping human mobility across Southeast Asia.
KLM said on May 26 that Dubai flights are cancelled up to and including August 2, while Riyadh and Dammam flights are cancelled up to and including July 12 because of Middle East airspace disruption.
Authorities impound passports as workers receive interim support and job placement assistance.
Mahar says Malaysia should not bear long-term burden as refugee numbers and stay duration grow.
Assistance covers legal aid, shelter, meals and job transitions for more than 700 workers over the past year.
Soekarno-Hatta Airport Police said on May 27 that they had submitted a Red Notice request against LA, a fugitive accused of recruiting prospective Indonesian migrant workers for jobs in Cambodia.
CSNHTV urges Thai authorities to intensify action as trafficking-linked fraud networks persist despite earlier crackdown.
Concerns raised over language access, reporting barriers and hotline readiness as new protections take effect.
The Philippine Bureau of Immigration said it arrested a 34-year-old American in Naga City after records showed he had overstayed his visa.
Australia will open first Work and Holiday visa applications for capped countries on July 2, affecting young applicants from countries including China, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
India resumed tourist visa applications for Bangladeshi citizens from June 28 through five visa centres in Dhaka, Rajshahi, Chattogram, Sylhet and Khulna.
Immigration New Zealand said applicants using OET for visas must take the test in person from July 12, ending at-home testing after a transition period.
VFS Global opened Türkiye visa appointment access in Bali on June 29, giving visa applicants in Indonesia another submission point outside Jakarta.
Singapore’s MOM said on June 28 that about 230 migrant workers facing salary arrears and housing issues will be moved from Tuas View dormitories.
Sabah Immigration said 91 undocumented migrants were arrested after 373 people were screened in Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Tawau and Ranau on June 24.
A raid at a frozen-food factory in Pulau Indah uncovered 36 people believed to be Indonesian nationals suspected of using fake MyKad documents or identity cards belonging to others to obtain work.
Singapore’s LTA said on June 25 that Malaysia-registered cross-border taxis entering Singapore will pay SGD 15 per trip from January 1, 2027.
Etihad starts seasonal Abu Dhabi-Dhaka flights on June 26, operating four times weekly through October 24 for passengers and cargo.
India’s MEA said on June 25 that Indian nationals should avoid non-essential travel to Iran and register with the embassy in Tehran.
Transport authorities dismiss claims that refugee documents can be used to obtain valid licences.
The Embassy says visa exemption remains unchanged as Japan raises charges for other nationalities.
Simplified entry pathway via Australia boosts arrivals and contributes millions to the economy.
Both sides seek to strengthen access to schooling through plantation-based learning centres.
CSNHTV, a human rights group, said more than 5,300 people remain trapped at four scam compounds in DKBA-controlled areas near Myanmar’s border with Thailand.
Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry urged wider visa-free entry on June 24, citing visitor demand and jobs, as Immigration warned the policy needs review.
Labour movement also identifies 150 job vacancies as authorities investigate employers.
Lao authorities registered and issued temporary work permits to 5,163 undocumented foreign workers after identifying 10,762 people.
Skills mismatch and shortage of graduate-level jobs pose greater challenges than unemployment.
The UAE visa-on-arrival facility applies from June 25 to eligible Filipino passport holders with valid visas, residence permits or Green Cards from approved countries.
Bangladesh Bank issued NRCTA rules in Dhaka on June 23, allowing non-resident Bangladeshis to open repatriable taka accounts through offshore banking units.
Authorities investigate claims after workers say employers ceased operations without settling salaries.
Both leaders stress transparency as cooperation deepens across labour, trade and investment sectors.
GoTo/Gojek and Grab executives said in Jakarta on June 23 that they will apply an 8% commission for motorcycle ride-hailing services from July 1, affecting GoRide and GrabBike drivers.
Malaysia’s AirAsia X had reportedly fallen behind on some supplier payments and sought aircraft payment deferrals after higher fuel costs strained the low-cost carrier’s finances.
Indonesia’s migrant worker protection ministry inaugurated Kalimantan’s first Migrant Center at Universitas Lambung Mangkurat in Banjarmasin on June 23.
Human Rights Watch said on June 23 that Gulf states still leave migrant workers, including construction and app-based delivery workers from Bangladesh, Nepal and Pakistan, exposed to dangerous summer heat.
Services at selected offices nationwide to be suspended in phases beginning June 26.
Malaysia's PERKESO gave employers until June 30 to register workers voluntarily after 14,428 foreign workers joined the 2026 Ops Pemutihan period.
Bangladesh Bank issued a June 22 circular allowing banks to remit locally collected consular and visa-processing fees abroad for foreign embassies and nominated resident agents without prior central bank approval.
Chainlink, FairSquareLab, UniKA and Qivalis announced Project Pangea on June 23 to test real-time EUR–KRW foreign-exchange settlement between Korean and European banking groups using stablecoins.
Thailand’s higher international passenger service charge took effect June 20 at six AOT airports, raising fees from THB730 to THB1,120 for outbound passengers.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data showed the Philippines recorded a US$131 million balance of payments surplus in May, with overseas Filipino remittances among the inflows supporting the country’s external accounts.
AirAsia said on June 23 that passengers booking by June 28 can get up to 20% off selected routes from Indonesian cities to Malaysia, Thailand and Australia for travel from August 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
Employers and workers cite information gaps in the Employment Permit System as a key factor behind rising departures.
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers said in Manila on June 22 that it is investigating suspected illegal recruitment and human trafficking involving 24 overseas Filipino workers who returned from Russia.
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas data show InstaPay and PESONet transfers in the Philippines reached ₱13.18 trillion from January to May, up about 44.4% from the same period in 2025.
Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines said June 22 that Kuala Lumpur-Singapore passengers now get more fare options through a new joint business partnership.
Boston Consulting Group said on June 11 that 69% of 1,337 surveyed overseas Filipino workers cited higher income potential among their top three reasons for working abroad across the US, Middle East, Asia and the UK.
Malaysia Airports said May traffic reached 7.9 million passenger movements, with KLIA handling 4.9 million and 3.6 million international passengers in 2026.
President Marcos ordered ₱3 billion for OFW repatriation and reintegration after humanitarian flights brought 10,446 Filipinos home from the Middle East by June 17.
The UAE gave eligible travellers affected by Gulf flight disruption until July 9 to fix their status or leave without overstay fines.
Hanoi broke ground on five metro lines on June 22, a VND1.315 quadrillion programme to expand urban rail and link airports, stations and new city growth hubs.
MRT Jakarta charges Rp1 for all trips in Jakarta on June 22, 27, and 28 under the city government’s 499th anniversary transport programme.
The government says higher charges will help cover immigration administration costs and support a growing foreign population.
Layoffs increase in professional sectors, but labour market remains resilient with strong re-employment rates.
New immigration rules aim to strengthen protections against wage abuse, workplace harassment and industrial accidents.
New rules requiring supporting documents for larger transactions take effect from July 1.
A Saudi-backed skills certification launch for Nepali workers was suspended in Kathmandu on June 17 after recruiters protested the visa-linked testing rule.
AirAsia has ended two Indonesia AirAsia-operated Australia-Bali routes after the Melbourne-Denpasar and Adelaide-Denpasar services reached their final announced operating date on June 18.
Bank Indonesia’s June 17 data update showed Indonesian migrant-worker remittances reached US$4.536 billion in Q1 2026, with Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, Taiwan and Hong Kong making up the largest corridors.
AirAsia has started direct Jakarta-Kota Bharu flights, with inaugural service AK2354 arriving in Kelantan on June 16 and carrying 117 passengers, Tourism Malaysia said.
The European Union and UNHCR said on June 18 that the EU had added a €14 million development grant for Rohingya refugees in Cox’s Bazar and Bangladeshi host communities.
Stronger spending, expanding tourism villages and national events support growth despite global uncertainty.
The move aims to boost inbound travel as visitor numbers continue to recover, while the airport prepares for the Dragon Boat Festival surge.
Thailand and Malaysia expect the upgraded border facility to strengthen trade, tourism and regional connectivity.
Immigration New Zealand said on June 17 that a cross-agency employer operation found 98 people in breach of visa conditions and issued seven employer infringement notices worth NZ$21,000.
Thailand’s government said on June 16 that it had ordered a review of immigration laws and related rules to speed up deportation procedures for foreign nationals who commit offenses in the country.
Indonesia’s migrant worker protection ministry said 313 Indonesian nurses and care workers were sent off in Depok on June 17 for placement in Japan under the IJ-EPA Government-to-Government scheme.
Bangladesh received US$34.49 billion from expatriates between July 2025 and June 16, up 18.3 percent year on year, according to Bangladesh Bank data cited by BSS on June 17.
IOM and the European Union said on June 16 that their six-year regional programme had assisted 8,000 Rohingya and other vulnerable migrants across Southeast Asia.
The Philippine government repatriated 165 OFWs from Kuwait on June 16, with the workers arriving in Manila after transiting through Riyadh during continuing operations linked to the Middle East war.
Sri Lanka’s foreign affairs, foreign employment and tourism ministry said it launched LankaKonect as a complaint-management app for Sri Lankan migrant workers worldwide on June 15, widening a platform name already used for a UAE-focused service.
Activists call for an agency-based hiring model to reduce overwork and improve care standards.
The health minister says digitalisation efforts will not alter existing policy on medical fees for non-citizens.
Changing demographics, high living costs and new economic centres are reshaping migration patterns in China’s capital.
Electronics Mart India seeks to reduce reliance on technology hubs as artificial intelligence reshapes the employment landscape.
UNHCR published a June 10 appeal for Myanmar refugees in nine Thai border shelters, as Thailand moves long-term refugees toward legal work.
Phnom Penh hopes the new visa exemption scheme will revive tourism and deepen ties with China.
Taiwan’s Ministry of Labor must respond by July 26 after a petition opposing employer-paid recruitment costs for migrant workers received 5,929 endorsements on the government’s Public Policy Participation Platform.
Philippine employment rose to 48.89 million people in April. The 95.3% employment rate improved from January, but underemployment increased to 15.2%.
The Phnom Penh Administration said inspectors checked 92 sites in the Cambodian capital on June 12 and found 333 foreign nationals, including 11 without passports.
Malaysia’s Immigration Department said it detained 471 undocumented migrants and 31 employers in 179 enforcement operations nationwide from June 8 to June 12.
A U.S. deportation flight carrying migrants from several countries, including an Iranian woman who feared persecution, arrived in Bangui on June 12 under a third-country removal arrangement.
Surge driven by Chinese and Taiwanese travellers, K-pop events and favourable exchange rates.
Officials cite growing tourism and stronger bilateral ties under reciprocal travel arrangement.
Indonesia seeks labour pact and education access for migrant workers’ children before leaders’ meeting in Penang.
The government aims to strengthen university internationalisation and promote Indonesian higher education globally.
South Korea has increased the hiring quota for skilled foreign workers in agriculture, livestock and fisheries while introducing stronger protections for migrant workers facing workplace abuse.
The Home Ministry says the new process will provide the government with verified data on refugees and UNHCR card holders.
Thailand’s economic planners warn that nearly one in five workers could be affected by artificial intelligence, prompting calls for reskilling and support for new business opportunities.
The new initiative aims to improve social security coordination and benefit portability for millions of workers across the Asia-Gulf migration corridor.
Thailand continues to face challenges in identifying and protecting migrant workers from forced labour despite improvements in laws and victim support systems.
Indonesia is stepping up efforts to improve migrant worker protection and workforce skills through closer cooperation between the Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection and Bappenas.
The Malaysia Human Resources Ministry is expanding and improving TVET programmes to equip Malaysians with skills needed for emerging industries driven by AI, automation and digital technologies
The new system enables direct bank-to-bank transfers through mobile applications, reducing reliance on informal channels.
Malaysia and Singapore have strengthened cooperation in arbitration and mediation through new agreements aimed at improving cross-border dispute resolution services and supporting regional business growth.
Yunlin prosecutors indicted four people on June 10 over an alleged illegal recruitment scheme involving Thai and Vietnamese nationals placed in farms and wholesale markets in Yunlin and Changhua.
The DMW said 22 Filipinos rescued from human trafficking in Cambodia returned to Manila on June 10, with medical, welfare and legal aid arranged.
The education ministry aims to develop national guidelines as the number of students requiring assistance reaches record high.
The new facility aims to strengthen worker protection and combat human trafficking in key border transit hub.
It is the second of four planned sessions this year to offer medical screenings and specialist consultations.
The U.S. State Department creates an optional US$750 fee for B1/B2 interview slots within ten business days at selected posts from July 1 through December 31.
Singapore and the International Labour Organization renewed a two-year partnership in Singapore on June 8 to support ASEAN labour institutions on platform work, artificial intelligence, skills and workplace safety.
Returning overseas Filipino workers in the Philippines now have wider access to business, loan and training support, with OWWA’s BPBH programme providing up to PHP20,000 for qualified returnees.
More than 200 healthcare professionals are set to begin work under a bilateral labour partnership programme.
Student groups and allied campus organisations protested in Jakarta on June 12 over rising fuel prices, basic goods costs and what they called wasteful state spending, with police deploying 4,151 personnel.
The prime minister says illegal business activities by foreign nationals threaten local livelihoods and require coordinated enforcement.
MIDA said on June 8 that Malaysia approved RM92.8 billion across 1,249 Q1 projects expected to create 50,226 jobs, up 46.7% year on year, led by Japan in value.
Southwest and Singapore Airlines began an interline partnership via Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Seattle, linking travelers to nearly 120 Southwest airports.
South Korea began rights inspections on June 8 across 139 cities and counties assigned foreign seasonal agricultural workers, with joint ministry field checks planned in 15 understaffed localities.
Indonesia’s immigration directorate said on June 7 that officers in Semarang had detained four Chinese nationals during a June 4 operation linked to alleged online romance-scam activity and suspected stay-permit misuse.
Amnesty International said on June 8 that Cambodia’s crackdown on scam compounds had missed most of the 86 sites it identified, with evidence of state intervention at only 24 and testimony from 73 survivors.
Singapore Health Minister Ong Ye Kung told a Tokyo forum on June 11 that aging economies need foreign workers, but public trust depends on integration, he said.
Vietnam's Le Tien Chau urged Japan to ease visas and support nearly 700,000 Vietnamese in Japan, then told a June 11 Tokyo forum stable rules matter for firms.
CBSL said on June 5 that Sri Lanka's workers' remittances reached US$847.0 million in May, lifting January-May inflows to US$3.91 billion, up 26.0% versus 2025.
Delta Air Lines began daily Los Angeles-Hong Kong flights on June 6, adding a new Airbus A350-900 service between Southern California and Hong Kong.
A Boston federal judge vacated the US$100,000 H-1B visa fee policy on June 8, affecting skilled foreign workers and employers. The White House is set to appeal.
More than 150,000 foreign residents in South Korea will be eligible to vote in the upcoming local elections, marking the highest number since voting rights were extended to permanent residents in 2006.
Bank Negara Malaysia Governor Abdul Rasheed Ghaffour warned in Tokyo on June 10 that prolonged shocks may affect remittances for migrant households across Asia.
Malaysia's central bank said in Tokyo on June 10 that ASEAN+3 skills gaps could slow higher-value investment and affect future worker demand.
The UN refugee agency has warned that declining international aid could worsen living conditions for more than 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh as humanitarian needs continue to grow.
Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned in Tokyo on June 10 that artificial intelligence could widen inequality and concentrate power as Asia’s economies race to adapt to new technology.
The Philippine social welfare department said 25,001 people remained displaced in Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region and Soccsksargen as of June 10, 6AM, after a magnitude 7.8 earthquake in Maasim, Sarangani affected 197,750 people.
Thailand recorded more than 14 million foreign tourist arrivals in the first five months of 2026, with visitor numbers boosted by a sharp increase in travellers from Malaysia.
India’s foreign ministry said on June 3 that an Indian national died and several other Indians were injured in an attack on Kuwait International Airport. Kuwaiti authorities reported 63 injuries and blamed Iran for strikes on civilian facilities.
Partnership to focus on academic exchanges, joint research and strategic technologies following leaders’ talks.
Government says reforms aim to improve transparency as anti-graft probe targets former immigration officials.
Agreement lays groundwork for a labour mobility framework set to replace the controversial trainee system in 2027.
Uruguay’s foreign ministry said on June 4 that Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin had announced the start of a process to allow Chinese citizens to enter Uruguay without visas, following China’s waiver for Uruguayan nationals.
The move could help address workforce shortages while expanding labour cooperation between neighbouring countries.
Philippine authorities ordered residents in tsunami-prone coastal provinces in Mindanao to move to higher ground on June 8 after PHIVOLCS recorded a magnitude 7.8 earthquake off southern Mindanao.
Visitor numbers rose to 4.68 million in the first four months of 2026 as Malaysia remains the top source market.
IndiGo will temporarily suspend services to five Asia-Pacific destinations from July 1 and to Siem Reap from July 3 until September 30, with bookings scheduled to resume on October 1 during a fuel-cost shock linked to the Iran war.
AirAsia X said from Sepang on June 4 that Philippines AirAsia flights under code Z2 remain operational, denying reports that the carrier’s Philippine operations were being grounded.
Hong Kong’s Immigration Department arrested 12 suspected illegal workers and one suspected employer in territory-wide operations targeting renovation work from June 2 to June 3, the department said on June 4.
Hong Kong and Uzbekistan exchanged notes in Tashkent on June 3 to establish a mutual 30-day visa-free arrangement, with implementation details still under discussion, the HKSAR Government said on June 4.
Germany said Indian nationals no longer need an airport transit visa for layovers at German airports from June 3, easing connections for travellers flying through Germany to third countries.
Indonesia’s Corruption Eradication Commission detained eight suspects in Jakarta on June 4 in a foreign stay permit case affecting foreign nationals seeking immigration documents, with at least Rp145.5 billion allegedly collected.
Singapore’s Land Transport Authority said on June 3 that new local bus captains will receive a S$450 monthly starting-pay increase from January 1, 2027, with higher sign-on bonuses and pay adjustments for existing drivers.
Indian nationals received the largest number of UK study visas in the year ending March 2026, with 90,425 grants to main applicants, as post-study visa extension grants fell 36%.
New policy extends fast-track immigration benefits to foreign academics as Seoul targets 2,000 elite researchers by 2030.
Partnership aims to support workforce transition and expand employment opportunities in the green economy.
The new aviation deal increases passenger and cargo flight rights as travel demand between the two countries continues to grow.
The Philippine Embassy in Washington told Filipinos in the United States on non-immigrant visas to monitor U.S. green-card guidance and seek legal advice after USCIS tightened adjustment-of-status processing on May 22.
Indonesia’s KPK detained Deputy Immigration and Corrections Minister Silmy Karim and seven civil servants on June 4 in a case linked to alleged extortion in foreign nationals’ stay-permit document processing.
Policy aims to strengthen worker protection and align the labour system with international standards amid rising foreign employment.
The new passport category comes into effect from June 3, with adults paying RM350 for extended validity.
Japan sees a surge in inbound students while outbound mobility of Japanese learners remains below pre-pandemic peak.
Workers dispatched through EPS programme as authorities stress safety, compliance and worker welfare.
South Korea has set up a dedicated team to prevent abuse against foreign workers and improve support throughout their employment and settlement process.
Singapore is developing a secure AI registry and digital assistant platform to help 150,000 public officers use artificial intelligence safely while improving productivity, public services and cybersecurity.
Thailand has launched a cloud-based mobile application to speed up immigration checks for international visitors while maintaining strict border security.
A year-long investigation published on May 28 alleges aggressive and, at times, dishonest upselling of officially optional services at VFS Global centres, with sampled receipts showing that add-ons accounted for around 30% of VFS-related revenue.
A new global survey reveals that nearly half of Singapore's finance workers worry about artificial intelligence affecting their roles, despite feeling highly confident in using the technology.
Bali recorded 553,328 direct foreign tourist arrivals in April, up 17.21% from March but down 6.41% year on year, with Australian passport holders accounting for more than a quarter of the monthly total, BPS Bali said on June 2.
South Korea will allow medical tourists to access telemedicine services from next year as the country continues to attract a record number of overseas patients.
Singapore and China called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East and stressed the importance of keeping global shipping routes open during high-level talks in Beijing.
Garuda Indonesia entered the first phase of its 2026 Hajj return-flight schedule on June 1, with returns via Jeddah running through June 15 before the airline shifts its operation to Medina from June 16–30.
A pandemic-era drop in South Korea’s low-skilled migrant workforce raised the risk of firm closures and reduced wages for Korean employees at surviving manufacturers, according to a working paper published in March.
Indonesia recorded 1.25 million foreign tourist arrivals in April, up 7.22% year on year, with Malaysian passport holders accounting for the largest share at 207,960 visits, Statistics Indonesia said on June 2.
UK Visas and Immigration tightened its compliance thresholds for education providers sponsoring international students on June 1, with potential recruitment consequences for applicants from major Asia-Pacific markets including India and China.
Indonesia’s state railway operator KAI projected that 202,691 passengers would travel nationwide on June 1, which it identified as the peak return-flow day after the extended Eid al-Adha holiday.
Singapore Customs said on June 2 that two operations in Choa Chu Kang and Tampines led to the arrests of four Indonesian nationals and four Singaporeans, with officers seizing 26,235 packets of duty-unpaid cigarettes.
Malaysia’s Immigration Department warned passport applicants not to use AI-generated or AI-edited photos, saying false images or information can lead to rejection and legal action.
Japan is planning to monitor social media and online platforms to detect visa overstayers and illegal foreign employment amid growing labour shortages.
Thailand will impose stricter Ebola prevention measures, including mandatory quarantine for travellers arriving from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Thai business groups are calling on the government to renew work permits for Cambodian migrant workers to avoid worsening labour shortages in key industries.
Tourists in Thailand are concerned that the government’s plan to shorten visa-free stays could affect travel flexibility and longer holidays.
The move is expected to support regional economic growth and improve public mobility.
Draft amendments aim to reduce bureaucracy, simplify applications and support recruitment in strategic sectors such as technology, finance and education.
Nueva Vizcaya is seeking Canadian technical and investment support to revive Bagabag Airport, with a proposal now under final review by Catalyste+ in Canada.
More mainland Chinese students are choosing direct undergraduate admission pathways as Australia expands international student intake and eases entry requirements.
Authorities step up inspections and threaten legal action over fraudulent health documents.
Sun PhuQuoc Airways opened ticket sales on May 20 for a daily Phu Quoc-Singapore service scheduled to begin on July 25, according to Vietnam’s state-owned Việt Nam News.
SATA CommHealth opened Our Migrant Worker Dental Centre in Woodlands on May 23, adding a third dental clinic for migrant workers in Singapore and serving up to 60 workers a week.
Singapore Airlines plans to raise Singapore-Amsterdam services to 10 weekly flights from August 1 to October 22, giving Asia-Pacific and Europe travellers three additional weekly services, the airline said on May 25.
Cambodia has approved overstay fine waivers for 5,950 Indonesian citizens affected by online scam enforcement operations, the Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh said on May 23.
IOM said on May 26 that more than 4,000 Cyclone Ditwah-affected families in seven Sri Lankan districts received cash assistance as Sri Lanka continued recovery from the November 2025 disaster.
A May 25 PIDS discussion paper says aging societies in Singapore, Japan and Australia increasingly rely on Filipina migrant workers in caregiving, domestic and healthcare work.
Eligible travellers can now apply for a low-cost electronic travel authorisation instead of a temporary resident visa for air travel to Canada.
Canada has allowed eligible Indonesian and Malaysian citizens travelling by air to apply for an electronic travel authorization instead of a visa on May 26 at 5:30 a.m. Eastern Time.
Ramanan highlights the importance of stronger bilateral cooperation in protecting migrant workers and supporting economic stability.
Rising international student enrolment places increasing pressure on housing near university campuses.
Unemployment falls to 2.9 per cent as labour force participation and productivity continue to improve.
Johor Immigration said it removed counter numbers at southern Malaysian entry points to stop syndicates from directing undocumented migrants to pre-arranged immigration officers.
New Zealand said on May 25 that Accredited Employer Work Visa applicants for skill level 3 jobs must meet minimum English requirements from June 1, affecting migrant workers applying for mid-skilled roles.
Hong Kong International Airport opened a two-day career fair at Terminal 2 on May 23, offering more than 4,400 airport job vacancies across about 40 companies for job seekers in the aviation sector.
Singapore warned citizens to defer non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo after an Ebola outbreak there and in Uganda was declared an international public health emergency.
India's health ministry advised citizens to avoid non-essential travel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan after Ebola outbreaks.
UTeM has become the first university in Malaysia to introduce a TVET-based doctoral programme aimed at strengthening industry-focused skills and professional learning.
South Korea’s largest industrial union is recruiting migrant workers at Hyundai’s shipyard in Ulsan as the shipbuilding industry becomes increasingly dependent on foreign labour.
China has introduced a new action plan aimed at stabilising jobs, creating more employment opportunities and improving job quality nationwide.
Japan’s stricter business visa requirements have sharply reduced applications and triggered concerns among foreign business owners who fear losing their livelihoods and residency status.
The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration said in a May 24 release that three Filipinas returned to Manila from Malaysia on May 12 after allegedly leaving through an illegal Palawan sea route and being exploited in KTV bars.
West Bengal’s new BJP-led government has ordered holding centres for undocumented Bangladeshis and Rohingyas, raising fears among minorities that the policy could lead to arbitrary expulsions, AFP reported on May 25.
APEC’s Policy Support Unit said in Suzhou on May 21 that Asia-Pacific growth is projected to slow to 3.1 percent in 2026 after 3.3 percent growth in 2025.
More than 70,000 foreign workers approved for long-term employment status conversion.
Indian nationals led UK Health and Care Worker extensions with 107,306 grants and Skilled Worker extensions with 89,851 grants in the year ending March 2026, as new Health and Care Worker visas fell 38%.
The state denies receiving a portion of the RM1,854 charge imposed on foreign worker applications.
West Nusa Tenggara’s manpower office said on May 21 that the province is preparing a zero-cost migration scheme for working-age residents in extreme poverty.
The new platform aims to connect overseas doctoral students with careers in Japan’s private sector.
Vietnamese asylum-related returns from the UK more than doubled to 237 in the year ending March 2026, after Britain and Vietnam agreed a faster returns process in October 2025, the Home Office said.
The new system aims to strengthen data integration and streamline accommodation reporting nationwide.
Bread manufacturer says move aims to improve efficiency amid rising global pressures.
New Zealand’s first Refugee Survey found strong belonging among former refugees, but employment barriers and English-language access are still key settlement challenges.
Air New Zealand will add a non-stop Christchurch-Singapore service from October 28, part of a three-route international expansion from Christchurch that also includes Tokyo Narita and Perth.
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration said in Jakarta on May 21 that Golden Visa holders had brought in Rp52.1 trillion in investment through 1,274 visas issued since the programme’s July 25, 2024 launch.
Motorists must clear outstanding traffic, parking and emissions penalties before entering the country.
Malaysia needs a more adaptive and forward-looking immigration system to address rising global migration challenges and security threats.
Batam Immigration served 295 passport applicants through its Eazy Passport weekend outreach at four locations, expanding access for residents in the cross-border travel hub.
Campaign aims to strengthen representation for subcontracted foreign workers ahead of labour talks.
Industry leaders warn labour constraints could disrupt manufacturing and export sectors.
Pakistani nationals formed the largest nationality group claiming asylum in the UK in the year ending March 2026, as overall asylum claims fell 12%, the Home Office said.
Malaysian universities are strengthening efforts to attract more students from southern India through education promotion programmes and academic partnerships.
Indonesia has introduced the National Movement for Safe Migrants to improve protection for migrant workers and tackle illegal recruitment and human trafficking.
ICA advises travellers to avoid peak hours and use QR clearance system for faster processing.
Laos has launched a nationwide campaign to promote vocational education and strengthen workforce skills to meet growing industry demand.
ASEAN diplomats and Singapore officials discussed foreign labour, worker welfare and the use of technology to address workforce challenges during a luncheon in Singapore.
Zeti Akhtar Aziz and economists warn brain drain reflects deeper structural weaknesses in wages, innovation and career opportunities.
Cambodia recorded nearly 2.43 million international air passengers between January and April this year, despite a slight decline compared to the same period in 2025.
Malaysian organisers said 29 Malaysians were due home on May 24 after all 428 Global Sumud Flotilla 2.0 activists were released, and Indonesia said nine of its citizens had reached Istanbul for checks before returning.
Indian nationals received the largest number of UK study visas in the year ending March 2026, with 90,425 grants to main applicants, as post-study visa extension grants fell 36%.
AirAsia Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur-Wuhan service resumes today, May 22, with four weekly flights linking Malaysia and central China after the airline announced the restart on March 2.
The Human Resources Ministry will introduce the PACE initiative with a RM100 million allocation to improve talent development, skills training and employability nationwide.
The state says the project operates without burdening taxpayers while strengthening digital oversight and transparency.
The bank says restructuring aims to improve efficiency and support long-term growth strategy.
The University of Indonesia’s Faculty of Nursing said that it is initiating a Migrant Center in Taiwan to support early health detection and mental-health protection for Indonesian migrant workers in Taipei, Kaohsiung and Taichung.
The government maintains repatriation, third-country resettlement or deportation remain final outcomes under the DPP initiative.
Saudi Arabia has confirmed fines of up to SAR20,000 for attempting Hajj without a permit and penalties of up to SAR100,000 for transporting unauthorised pilgrims.
Recent job cuts at Meta and Standard Chartered have intensified discussions in Singapore over how artificial intelligence is reshaping employment and the future of workers.
EU negotiators resumed talks in Brussels on May 21 on a return reform that could allow return hubs outside the bloc, affecting non-EU nationals with no right to stay.
South Korea has cut regular C-3 visa processing in Manila to 15 working days from May 18, as Filipino travel demand to Korea remains high.
Indonesia’s education minister and East Java’s governor sent off 3,600 SMK and LKP graduates in Surabaya on May 20 for overseas jobs, including placements in Japan and other Asia-Pacific destinations.
Malaysia says foreign patient demand for private healthcare remains strong despite a 6% SST on non-citizens, as it links medical tourism growth to Visit Malaysia 2026.
The EU has opened its Schengen visa cascade scheme to Thais, making Thailand the second ASEAN country after Indonesia to receive longer-validity multiple-entry visa access.
New Zealand has banned Domino’s franchise operator GBN Trading LTD from hiring more migrant workers for 12 months after a work visa-condition breach.
Restaurant operators in Japan are facing hiring challenges after authorities suspended special work visas for foreign workers in the food service sector.
Malaysia demanded the immediate release of 25 citizens detained after the Gaza flotilla interception, as Israel said 430 activists were being taken to Israel for consular processing.
Thailand has approved the removal of its 60-day visa-free stay for 93 countries in what seems to be an effort to curb crime involving foreign nationals.
The Human Resources Ministry is strengthening talent development through closer cooperation with the Education Ministry to prepare Malaysians for high-skilled and future jobs.
Cambodia’s labour minister has called for better skills training to help informal workers move into the formal economy and gain stronger social protection.
Japan’s Ibaraki prefecture has launched a reward programme for reports on businesses hiring undocumented foreign workers, sparking criticism from rights groups.
Indonesia’s EPS-TOPIK test window for former migrant workers seeking to return to South Korea under the E-9 system began on May 19.
IOM Indonesia’s new 2025 review says it reached more than 285,000 people while working across migrant worker placement, trafficking protection, refugee support and missing-migrant monitoring.
Maldives’ government plans to register foreigners at vessel boarding and disembarkation points after Maldives 2.0 is completed.
Sapporo moves to tackle worsening driver shortage and looming retirements.
The programme supports studies in engineering, renewable energy and emerging technologies.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung said the city may extend LRT Jakarta from Ancol to PIK 2 and later connect it to Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
Immigration reforms and streamlined services drive strong cross-border travel growth
Rising global interest in Korean culture and education drives steady growth in enrolment and programmes.
India approved Jaipur Metro Phase 2, a US$1.36 billion 41 km corridor with 36 stations, with completion targeted for September 2031.
Asia-Pacific recorded 19.65 million internal displacements in 2025, equal to 31.6% of the global total, IDMC said.
Malaysia’s General Operations Force detained 335 foreign nationals and 37 suspected migrant smugglers in raids carried out from January 1 to May 11, 2026.
The U.S. rejected the UN’s 2026 migration declaration, distancing itself from a framework that addresses migrant-worker protections relevant to major Asian labour-sending countries.
Pakistan received $3.5 billion in April 2026 remittances, led by inflows from Saudi Arabia, the UAE, the UK and the US.
The government says the move reflects actual travel patterns and aims to curb misuse of the tourist entry scheme.
Indonesia’s immigration authority arrested 210 foreign nationals in Batam over suspected online investment fraud after a raid uncovered computers, phones and other equipment allegedly used for scam trading.
Thirty-eight Filipino crew members from the MV Hondius are set to undergo quarantine in the Netherlands before repatriation to the Philippines after a hantavirus outbreak on the Dutch-flagged cruise.
The programme aims to reduce industrial accidents through multilingual workplace training.
Indonesia’s Hajj airlift to Saudi Arabia recorded a 96% on-time departure rate across 14 airports between April 21 and May 9, according to InJourney Airports.
The Home Ministry says efforts are underway to reduce disruptions as Malaysia shifts to the new National Integrated Immigration System (MyNIISe).
Indonesia has pledged to strengthen migrant worker protection and support global cooperation on migration governance at a United Nations forum.
Cambodia’s crackdown on scam centres has left many foreign workers homeless, jobless and unable to return home.
The Philippines and India plan to expand cooperation on migrant worker protection and labour governance through a new joint working group.
Malaysia’s Health Ministry says all NUMed medical students can complete their housemanship locally following changes to UK medical training rules.
ICA plans nationwide rollout from 2027 to boost border efficiency and security.
Indonesia’s Industry Ministry says Bali’s PFF trained 40 migrant workers in spa-oil blending for wellness jobs, including Maldives placements.
Collaboration to focus on research, academic exchanges and community-based healthcare development.
South Korea will let eligible small businesses in 89 depopulating regions hire 1 F-2-R foreign worker without an existing Korean employee base from May 18, the Justice Ministry said.
Authorities commit S$740 million to support Tourism 2040 ambitions amid global uncertainty.
The Indonesian police are investigating who brought, housed and financed 320 foreign nationals caught up in a recent Jakarta online gambling raid.
The company says fewer than 10 per cent of employees are affected as focus shifts towards international store offerings.
Brazil will allow Chinese ordinary passport holders to visit visa-free for up to 30 days from May 11 to December 31, 2026, after Chinese arrivals rose to 103,122 in 2025.
Malaysia and Thailand will focus on illegal immigration and cross-border crime during a bilateral border security meeting in June.
Jakarta and Muscat discuss scholarships, Arabic language teaching and stronger bilateral ties.
DMW Caraga gave financial aid, psychosocial support, livelihood assistance and entrepreneurship training to repatriated OFWs from the Middle East.
Indonesia is preparing skilled workers to support growing demand in the electric vehicle and green economy sectors.
Malaysia plans to amend its self-employment social security law to extend protection to Malaysians working overseas.
Singapore’s Parliament has unanimously supported a motion calling for inclusive economic growth and worker protection during the AI transition.
Singapore will shorten the hiring process for foreign construction workers by removing overseas skills testing requirements from 2027.
The ILO urges stronger investment in continuous learning to help workers adapt to global changes and reduce inequality.
Chinese market rebounds strongly as authorities shift focus towards higher-spending travellers.
Policy revision aims to ease financial burden on agricultural and fisheries workers and employers.
IOM, the UN migration agency, put 2024 global remittances at $905 billion, with India and the Philippines among the world’s top recipients.
Universities target higher enrolment and deeper educational cooperation as “Study in China” brand expands.
Japan’s number of children continues to fall, reaching a new low amid ongoing concerns over its declining birthrate.
A Chinese court says companies cannot dismiss employees just because their jobs are replaced by artificial intelligence.
Indonesia plans to reduce ride-hailing commission rates and improve benefits for drivers under a new regulation.
Singapore’s Manpower Ministry told Parliament that employers cannot use fixed monthly allowances to cover overtime pay owed to migrant workers.
Workers returning to Myanmar on leave must get employer permission verified by a Myanmar mission before applying to depart again.
New Delhi said three Indian nationals were injured after a drone attack hit an oil zone in Fujairah, one of the UAE’s seven emirates.
The DMW advisory was dated April 30 and shared on Facebook on May 4, after reports of online recruiters targeting Filipinos seeking Middle East work.
Canada’s immigration authorities will speed up permanent residence for up to 33,000 workers already in the country, a policy relevant to Asian workers in Canada’s temporary labour streams.
Higher hiring quotas are expected to boost income as spending targets care services and workforce programmes.
The island records a sharp rise in foreign arrivals as coastal destinations see peak occupancy rates.
According to Statistics Indonesia, foreign tourist visits rose year on year in March with 1.09 million visits, while domestic trips jumped during Indonesia’s main holiday travel month.
The manpower minister says the labour market remains resilient even as firms turn cautious amid Middle East tensions.
Visa made Thailand the first Asia-Pacific market for its Visa Destinations site with Singapore expected to follow later this year.
Reforms target labour shortages, digital nomads and globalisation of Korean cuisine.
The manufacturing sector remains the largest employer as the number of student visa workers rises sharply.
China’s migrant workers recorded higher incomes and improved living conditions in 2025.
Cambodia launches a campaign to attract more foreign tourists during the low season by promoting unique rainy season experiences.
Indonesian Navy officers intercepted a boat carrying 14 Indonesian migrant workers from Batam toward Pontian, Malaysia.
Indonesia’s North Sumatra migrant protection office handled workers deported after detention at Belantik Immigration Detention Depot in Kedah.
Indonesia plans to add safe-migration, trafficking-prevention, and gender-perspective material to legal aid posts serving villages and urban wards nationwide.
Singapore’s May 4 portal change lets employers issue migrant workers’ Work Permits after medical results, address updates and mobile details are handled through myMOM Portal.
Afghan authorities provide newly built houses to returning refugees as repatriation numbers rise.
Malaysia aims to raise workers’ wages and strengthen labour conditions through reforms under the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Indonesia’s 2026 tourism safety program targets destination workers, provincial tourism offices and risk procedures as visitor numbers rise.
The Consulate steps up legal oversight as authorities investigate financial and fraud-linked cases.
Authorities order nationwide inspections and stricter work permit checks following childcare centre violations.
InJourney Airports added 53 route services from January to April as Indonesia expands island links and prepares more direct international connections.
Jakarta says vocational high school alumni will work in Japan, Malaysia, and Germany as the city links skills training with legal overseas placement.
K-COMWEL wants funeral and repatriation help made regular for migrant workers killed on the job, after testing the support for a Vietnamese worker’s family.
Times Higher Education estimated Australia kept nearly A$10 million from offshore higher education applicants refused student visas in March.
India’s 2026 citizenship rule changes move Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card registration and renunciation filings to the official electronic portal.
Indonesia strengthens training and workforce efforts to address labour shortages in special economic zones.
Malaysia recorded a significant increase in retrenchments in early 2026, even as overall employment indicators remain stable.
Malaysia introduces a virtual travel card to attract Chinese tourists through interactive online experiences before their trip.
Children from Asian countries formed the largest regional group of minor first-time asylum applicants in the EU in 2025, led by Afghan children.
More than 1,100 volunteer teachers in Bangladesh’s Rohingya camps received formal certificates as classrooms face overcrowding, short hours and a shortage of space.
Participation in language and cultural courses may be tied to residency approvals under new policy direction.
The government seeks more high-value visitors ahead of the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
Proposal focuses on emergency patient transfers and disaster response coordination.
Authorities in Myanmar are investigating cases of workers using forged documents to leave the country illegally and avoid official procedures.
Thailand has lowered its economic growth and tourism outlook due to rising energy costs and weaker visitor arrivals linked to the Middle East conflict.
Hanoi, Vietnam saw strong growth in tourist arrivals and tourism revenue in the first four months of the year, driven mainly by domestic and international travel recovery.
KESUMA aims to create 200,000 job placements this year while introducing new initiatives to boost employability and support workers affected by retrenchments.
Indonesia revoked a migrant worker placement agency’s operating licence on March 30 after it failed 39 workers out of more than Rp1 billion owed — the same company that had its sanctions lifted just nine months earlier after promising to comply.
Two countries to deepen ties in digital learning, language education and joint research.
Rights bodies argue foreign residents face unequal access to cost-of-living support.
DPR Commission X Chair Hetifah Sjaifudian said Indonesia should transform “outdated” study programs instead of closing them en masse.
Singapore’s Ministry of Manpower has moved medical examination submissions for new migrant worker Work Permits to its ME Portal from April 27, with employers no longer required to upload hard-copy medical reports from May 4.
Japan recorded its highest number of forced deportations in 2025 as authorities step up action against illegal stays, while concerns over human rights grow.
South Korea recorded a sharp rise in foreign medical tourists in 2025, with strong spending driven by combined healthcare and travel activities.
The government says workplace respect is key to improving safety and reducing discrimination.
New Zealand increased income and sponsorship thresholds from April 30 for Pacific and family visa categories, affecting applicants with dependent children and parent-visa sponsors.
Google and South Korea will build an AI campus in Seoul to boost skills, innovation and cooperation in advanced technology.
Malaysia is focusing on developing AI capabilities while ensuring the technology benefits society and reduces inequality.
Indonesia’s Transportation Ministry summoned Green SM/Xanh SM management after identifying one of its taxis in the East Bekasi railway crash investigation.
Thailand is considering ending its 60-day visa-free stay to better control visitor entry and focus on higher-value tourism.
Indonesia and Greece have begun talks to expand job opportunities and improve protection for Indonesian workers in Greece.
China has introduced new guidelines to improve pay, contracts and working conditions for gig workers on digital platforms.
KAI limited KRL services to Bekasi and canceled eight long-distance departures from Gambir and Pasar Senen after the April 27 East Bekasi crash killed 15 people and injured 88 others.
**KUALA LUMPUR - **The Bangladesh government has assured returnee migrant workers affected by alleged arbitrary repatriation from Malaysia that it will work to address their demands, including ...
The agreement between both of the institutions aims to improve training and prepare workers for industry needs in Malaysia and Indonesia.
Indonesia has approved a long awaited law to protect domestic workers, giving them legal rights and safeguards after decades of advocacy.
The government says efforts will continue as regional conflict spreads across Gulf states.
New rules require stronger proof of employment and insurance status from April.
The new system aims to boost tourism, trade and seamless cashless transactions.
Indonesia’s migrant worker ministry stopped 51 suspected non-procedural Malaysia-bound workers in East Jakarta and found 152 passports during the raid.
A Green SM taxi collision with a KRL at a rail crossing near Bulak Kapal preceded the fatal Bekasi Timur crash, where the Argo Bromo Anggrek struck another stopped KRL Commuter Line on April 27, killing 15 people and injuring at least 84.
North Sulawesi is looking to overseas job placements as the province faces more than 100,000 unemployed residents.
Indonesia’s migrant worker ministry temporarily halted parts of four placement agencies’ business activities after finding recruitment permit, pre-departure orientation and worker-placement violations.
A woman from Muna Barat, Sulawesi, was nearly sent to Taiwan through a suspected non-procedural recruitment route after being approached by a broker through TikTok.
Malaysia’s tourism players are adjusting strategies as flight cancellations from China raise concerns over arrivals during a peak holiday period.
Thailand has explained its long-stay visa programme for foreign property buyers as it seeks to boost investment while addressing concerns over regulation and misuse.
Government targets higher public hiring share and improved safety standards.
The state drives transparency and efficiency in foreign worker recruitment system.
Singapore’s National University of Singapore ranked 3rd and Nanyang Technological University ranked joint 4th in the Times Higher Education Asia University Rankings 2026.
Microsoft will invest A$25 billion in Australia by the end of 2029 and help train three million Australians in AI skills by the end of 2028.
The move aims to cut fees and enable seamless transactions without currency exchange.
Regional governments step up efforts amid labour shortages outside major cities.
Malaysians travelling to India are now required to complete an e-Arrival Card at least 72 hours before departure.
More Japanese companies are planning to reduce new graduate hiring for FY2027 as they rely more on AI and digital tools.
AIS, together with Thailand government and academic partners, has launched a free AI learning programme to strengthen digital skills and prepare Thais for the future job market.
DBKL will lower deposit rates for concerts and events to encourage more activities ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026.
Singapore will redevelop and expand two migrant worker recreation centres to improve facilities and services for over 100,000 workers.
Taiwan opposition party calls for more scrutiny over plans to recruit Indian workers, citing social and labour concerns.
The government introduces new measures, including financing guarantees and tax relief, to ease cost pressures on SMEs.
After 22 years, Indonesia’s newly passed domestic workers law now formally places household employment under agreements or work contracts with follow-up rules due within a year.
CELIOS’ April 2026 report says Indonesia’s 50 richest people now hold wealth equal to 55 million citizens, with oligarch wealth rising about Rp13 billion a day while average worker income grows only around Rp2,000 a day.
The government targets a wider distribution of international visitors beyond Seoul.
The Ministry confirms liquidation with support measures for affected employees.
Authorities in Seoul, South Korea are introducing new measures to curb illegal foreign riders and improve safety in delivery services.
The Philippines urges stronger global cooperation to support jobs, financing and climate resilience.
Partnership expands financial inclusion and streamlines payroll across the retail sector.
Up to 100 billion won each to drive regional talent and innovation under the new initiative.
In Vientiane on April 20, Deputy Foreign Minister Anis Matta and his Lao counterpart Anouparb Vongnorkeo pushed to restart the delayed Indonesia-Laos JCBC ahead of the 70th anniversary of ties in 2027.
KTO teams up with Virtuoso to attract high-spending visitors from the West.
DPR’s HPI bill committee said the draft law is meant to close legal gaps in cross-border cases involving Indonesians abroad, from migrant-worker cases to inheritance, contracts, and intercountry marriage.
The government highlights empowerment, protection and global competitiveness.
New support targets local rules and coexistence as foreign population rises.
Malaysia aims to boost Bumiputera entrepreneurship through higher investment and stronger support measures.
FMM backs the use of digital systems and AI to improve efficiency and transparency in foreign worker recruitment.
KPAI and Indonesia’s Foreign Ministry discussed using the PKBM nonformal education model, including Paket A, Paket B, and Paket C, to set standards for overseas schooling for migrant workers’ children.
On April 18, the Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs said in Manila that Myanmar had released 78 Filipinos detained for illegal entry and residency after being trafficked into scam centers.
The Human Resources Ministry says the proposed AI-based recruitment system is still under review with no agreement made so far.
By 08:00 JST on April 21, Japan had lifted all evacuation orders after the 16:52 Sanriku quake, which had covered 182,181 people in 87,842 households across Hokkaido, Aomori, Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima.
Indonesia’s Law Minister Supratman Andi Agtas said Indonesia will finish revising Law No. 12/2006 “this year” to allow limited “certain dual citizenship” for foreigners deemed strategically valuable to the state.
The Philippines has launched a crisis response plan and stepped up repatriation efforts to assist overseas workers affected by the Middle East conflict.
South Korea’s growing number of foreign workers is raising concerns over wage theft and abuse, prompting calls for labour reforms.
The government says a proposed foreign worker recruitment system remains under review, with assurances of fairness and lower costs.
Indonesia is weighing a temporary ban on sending workers to conflict areas as tensions rise in the Middle East.
The UN and IOM said about 250 Rohingya refugees and Bangladeshi nationals were feared dead or missing after an overcrowded trawler from Teknaf sank in the Andaman Sea on April 9 while heading to Malaysia.
Deputy Minister Christina Aryani said Indonesia was assessing Fiji’s demand for chefs, hotel managers and other hospitality workers after talks with Ambassador Dupito Dharma Simamora.
The Labour ministry approves initial 7,000 slots as oversight tightened.
Central banks target faster remittances and deeper financial integration.
Malaysia plans to raise biodiesel usage to manage fuel supply pressure and economic impact from the Middle East conflict.
The year-round platform aims to strengthen access to study, visa and employment information.
Indonesia is confident of strong investment growth in early 2026, driven by key sectors and steady foreign interest.
Shanghai-based firm’s expansion expected to create 200 skilled jobs.
Rising cross-border divorces in South Korea are creating more complex legal cases involving custody, assets and residency rights.
Vietnam’s Quang Ninh is investing heavily in smart schools and education reforms to build a skilled workforce and improve learning outcomes.
AirAsia X confirms it will not lay off staff while adjusting flights, fares and costs to cope with rising fuel prices.
Japan plans to increase residence permit fees for foreign nationals as part of proposed legal changes.
The Labour ministry says rollout depends on industry demand and regulatory safeguards.
InJourney Airports said on April 9 that Jakarta’s Soekarno-Hatta Airport was its busiest airport in Q1 2026 with 13.48 million passengers, followed by Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport with 5.34 million.
Bali launched the Dharma Dewata immigration patrol task force in Denpasar after authorities deported 165 foreigners and detained 62 from January 1 to April 12 with enforcement centered on Badung hotspots including Kuta and North Kuta.
Shifting preferences reflect a surge in Korea travel and long-haul demand.
Malaysia warns of strict action against foreigners who misuse social visit passes to work or run businesses.
Indonesia is involving universities in preparing skilled workers for overseas jobs as it targets higher deployment numbers in 2026.
New route seen boosting tourism, business travel and regional connectivity.
Japan’s “Zero Illegal Foreign Residents” plan drove a record 318 escorted deportations in 2025, including 52 repeat asylum applicants, even as the country hit an all-time tourism high of 42.68 million visitors.
Anwar stresses welfare protection in talks on bilateral labour cooperation.
Vingroup signed a $6.5 billion MOU with Maharashtra on April 8 at CM Devendra Fadnavis's official residence in Mumbai, with the Maharashtra state government saying the deal is expected to generate tens of thousands of jobs.
Policymakers prioritise innovation and reskilling as automation fears persist.
Suspension of foreign worker intake disrupts operations and expansion plans.
Japan’s MLIT Aviation Bureau Safety Policy Division said that passengers from April 24 may carry only two power banks of 160Wh or less and may not charge them or use them to charge other devices in flight.
Thailand’s tourism sector is feeling the pinch from higher energy costs, with fewer visitors and rising operational expenses ahead of Songkran.
DayOne Data Centres plans major investment in Malaysia, creating jobs and boosting its role as a digital hub.
Malaysia and Bangladesh have agreed to improve labour migration with a focus on transparency, fairness and better recruitment systems.
Indonesia is supporting an Aceh polytechnic to better prepare healthcare graduates for international work opportunities.
Ferry operators have cut trips and raised fares due to high fuel prices, even as more Singaporeans visit Batam for cheaper goods.
Malaysia is strengthening tourism promotion in Vietnam to boost visitor numbers and support Visit Malaysia 2026 targets.
Songkran 2026 has drawn strong local and foreign turnout, driving tourism revenue and reinforcing its global appeal.
Strong travel demand lifts arrivals despite global uncertainties.
West Jakarta Mayor Iin Mutmainnah backs TransJakarta’s 1,000 Mikrotrans driver recruitment, aiming for 30% female drivers, with first TJ Academy graduates already 13 professional women.
Authorities have recovered over $300,000 in unpaid wages owed to migrant workers in regional Australian pubs, cafes, and restaurants after a seven-month audit called Operation Odin.
President Prabowo Subianto said Indonesia is confident to subsidise fuel for about 80% of citizens through 2026 despite oil price risks from tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Airbnb has rolled out fixed-price private airport transfers in Bali via Welcome Pickups (Ngurah Rai to hotels) as part of a 125-city global expansion of its in-app “Services” feature.
South Korea expands its ₩600,000 oil price relief payments to some foreign residents living in Korean-registered, NHIS-covered households under a ₩26.2 trillion supplementary budget targeting 35.77 million people in the bottom 70% income bracket.
Australia’s Gemma Huggins and Indonesia’s Dionnisius Elvan Swasono co-led the 5th ASEAN-Australia Counter-Terrorism Dialogue in Jakarta, sharing regional threat updates and discussing a successor to ASEAN’s 2018–2026 counter-extremism plan.
Indonesian Deputy Finance Minister Juda Agung, at the April 10 virtual 13th AFMGM, backed Manila's three 2026 Priority Economic Deliverables and said the agenda can help ASEAN “seize new growth opportunities.”
A 56-year-old Malaysian citizen was arrested in Ponorogo, East Java, for attempting to marry an Indonesian using falsified documents while overstaying on an expired passport.
The survey finds strong settlement intentions alongside calls for better multilingual support and anti-discrimination measures.
Authorities shift focus from expansion to quality control in foreign student management.
A proposed railway extension between Malaysia and Thailand is expected to improve transport links and support cross-border trade.
Japan has introduced stricter rules for foreign workers’ residence permits and citizenship to ensure better compliance and integration.
In a 9 April statement issued by Brussels, the European Union commended Pakistan’s mediation of the US-Iran ceasefire, led by Prime Minister Shahbaz Sharif and Army Chief Field Marshal Asim Munir.
Ambassador Umar Hadi read a joint statement at UN Headquarters on April 9, co-led with France, condemning attacks that killed three Indonesian soldiers in southern Lebanon on March 29 and 30.
Indonesia's Ministry of Transportation is reviewing congestion at KM 57 on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road and Gilimanuk Port after Eid 2026 travel, with Minister Dudy Purwagandhi citing peak bottlenecks.
The KNVB has reportedly cleared Indonesian-naturalised players Dean James (Go Ahead Eagles), Tim Geypens (FC Emmen), and Nathan Tjoe-A-On (Willem II) in the so-called “passportgate” investigation, with Justin Hubner also said to be included.
Soaring oil prices from the Middle East conflict are disrupting bus, ferry, and medical services in Japan.
Malaysia’s fuel supply is expected to remain stable in the coming months despite global market volatility.
Seoul to introduce personalised career pathways as immigrant-background student numbers rise.
Campus-based migrant centres to support the target of 500,000 overseas placements by 2026.
President Prabowo Subianto said at a Government Working Meeting (RKP) at the State Palace that Indonesia is considering Bali as a potential site for a “special financial center” to attract foreign capital.
TransJakarta has expanded Royaltrans seat booking to all 10 routes, adding seven new corridors including D31 Cinere–Kuningan and B14 Bekasi–Kuningan.
Rural communities face mounting labour shortages as the farming population edges towards a critical threshold.
The tourism sector shows resilience as air travel dominates arrivals despite global uncertainties.
Indonesia’s Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa said Indonesia has finalized the Whoosh debt restructuring with a possible Finance Ministry stake in PT Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China (KCIC).
Indonesia is using the May 1-3 GT World Challenge Asia at Mandalika International Circuit, featuring 46 drivers from 17 countries, to boost Lombok’s tourism.
Singapore Airlines will stream FIFA World Cup 2026 matches live from June 11 to July 19 via Sport 24 on its KrisWorld Live TV service across selected aircraft including Boeing 787-10 and Airbus A350-900.
China’s tourism sector is growing strongly, driven by visa-free policies and rising demand for immersive cultural experiences.
Indonesia is working with Türkiye to address a sharp rise in migrant worker visa applications and ensure smoother placement processes.
Thailand has lowered diesel prices to ease costs for consumers and businesses ahead of Songkran amid global oil price changes.
A new initiative to strengthen educational ties begins later this year with classroom placements in both countries.
The Indonesian Red Cross Society will send a team to Islamabad to procure medicines locally with support from the Pakistan Red Crescent Society and Indonesia’s embassy, before distributing aid to civilians in Iran.
Rising energy costs linked to the Iran conflict are pushing migrant workers in India to return to rural areas, raising concerns over economic strain.
Indonesia has raised jet fuel surcharges and allowed higher domestic ticket prices as global oil prices climb due to the Middle East conflict.
Indonesia and France have launched a structured women's football development programme, with a coaching clinic in Bandung this week and a training camp at France's elite Clairefontaine centre next month.
China has expressed readiness to work with Russia to reduce tensions and push for a ceasefire in the Middle East.
Malaysia expects tourist arrivals from India to surpass two million this year, confident that travel demand will remain strong despite global disruptions linked to the West Asia conflict.
Japan has called on Iran to reduce tensions and guarantee safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional conflict.
Government ramps up support as Middle East returns exceed 4,000 amid rising tensions.
Indonesia will set up migrant career centers at 38 Poltekkes under the Ministry of Health of Indonesia and Indonesian Migrant Worker Protection Agency to increase overseas placements.
Of the 226,225 seats Indonesian Railways prepared for Easter, 87,041 went unfilled as 44,191 passengers arrived in Jakarta on the peak Easter return day.
Overseas academy aims to prepare workers for immediate deployment under the skilled visa scheme.
Iran agreed on April 7 to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for two weeks under a ceasefire announced by US President Donald Trump, with Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi confirming the move after mediation by Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The Philippines says its oil supply remains stable for now, with additional shipments expected this month to strengthen reserves.
150 LPDP alumni were deployed as mentors to 150 elementary schools across Merauke, Halmahera Utara, Kupang, and Sumedang for 12 weeks under the second LPDP Alumni Real Action Program.
Singapore says it will not pay tolls or negotiate with Iran for ships’ passage, citing international law and UNCLOS principles.
A legal complaint accusing Myanmar’s president of genocide against the Rohingya has been filed in Indonesia, marking a significant legal move under international principles.
China and Malaysia have signed 26 agreements worth USD72 million to strengthen cooperation in trade, agriculture and technology.
Iran’s Ambassador Mohammad Boroujerdi told Indonesian Council of Ulema leaders including Cholil Nafis that Tehran would ease Indonesian tanker access through the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing U.S.-Israel strikes.
Bogor Regency launched a three-month free electric bus trial on April 5, connecting Bojonggede to Sentul City with four buses.
The new policy aims to tighten screening and curb misuse of professional visa categories.
The Higher Education Ministry is reviewing steps to help students manage rising living costs amid global energy challenges.
Expanded programme to offer more access to border region’s history and ecology.
Indonesia dispatched 200 SMK graduates to Japan under the SMK Go Global pilot on April 3, partly funded by PT Angkasa Pura Indonesia and PT Kereta Api Indonesia CSR programs.
South Korea is expanding transport services, airport links and tourist programmes to encourage more foreign visitors to travel beyond Seoul.
Airlines are increasing fuel surcharges on flights as rising oil prices linked to Middle East tensions push up operating costs.
The government targets expansion of skilled migrant placements while maintaining focus on formal sector employment.
As labor shortages continue to deepen in Japan’s restaurant industry, a recent survey sheds light on how businesses are turning to foreign workers to sustain operations.
Diesel prices in Cambodia have doubled since the start of the Middle East conflict, raising concerns among farmers ahead of the planting season.
Malaysia plans to tighten visa rules and raise salary thresholds to cut dependence on foreign labour and boost local employment.
Both sides aim to formalise recruitment channels as Greece seeks around 100,000 foreign workers annually to meet rising workforce demand.
The Redmond-based tech giant is investing $5.5 billion in Singapore and over $1 billion in Thailand to expand AI and cloud infrastructure while supporting regional digital skills development.
Authorities say no physical harm reported but psychological trauma addressed through outreach and diaspora networks.
The Philippines has increased its fuel supply buffer to nearly 51 days, giving the government more time to manage global oil uncertainties.
A powerful 7.6-magnitude earthquake struck the waters off Bitung on Thursday morning, triggering a tsunami warning for North Sulawesi and North Maluku that has since been lifted.
The new rule aims to safeguard fuel supply amid global geopolitical tensions.
Malaysia will implement work from home arrangements for the public sector and GLCs from April 15 to reduce fuel use and manage energy challenges.
MRT Jakarta, LRT Jakarta, and Transjakarta all posted year-on-year ridership gains in February 2026, though each recorded a month-on-month decline, according to data released Wednesday by BPS DKI Jakarta.
Cho Kuk has proposed free public transport for commuters as part of South Korea’s supplementary budget to ease economic pressure and promote greener mobility.
Malaysia has introduced the Gig Workers Act 2025, providing a dedicated legal framework to protect gig workers and position the country as a model for a fairer, more inclusive digital economy.
The Philippine peso hit a record low as investors turned to the US dollar and oil prices surged due to escalating Middle East tensions.
Sharp drop in inflows raises concerns over jobs, household income and economic resilience.
Labour unions say improved benefits and stability are keeping returnees at home.
The move aims to expand access and reduce costs for pre-departure medical checks.
Indonesia is formally seeking entry into Italy’s Decreto Flussi quota system while opening parallel labour deals with Malta and Cyprus, starting with a diplomatic cable.
The “Passportgate” began after NAC Breda challenged a 6–0 loss to Go Ahead Eagles over Dean James’ eligibility, with the probe now spanning 25 players linked to countries like Indonesia and Suriname, both former Dutch colonies.
Indonesia’s Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and the Ministry of State Apparatus and Bureaucratic Reform mandate civil servants to work from home every Friday starting April 1 to save energy and cut fuel use.
Rising enrolment highlights growing pressure on schools to expand support systems.
Rapid growth driven by rising university enrolment and regional demand.
The event highlights growing demand for global talent and startup opportunities in Korea.
Brunei reports declining cases and strengthens awareness and support measures to tackle out of wedlock births.
The Philippines has brought home more than 3,300 citizens and provided aid to over 18,000 people in the Middle East as tensions continue in the region.
Prabowo is urging Japan to boost investment in Indonesia through stronger partnerships, with major deals signed across energy and industry sectors.
Indonesia has demanded a UN investigation after three of its UNIFIL peacekeepers were killed in two blasts in southern Lebanon, as the UN probes the incidents and Israel denies responsibility.
A BPH Migas decree limits Pertalite and Solar purchases for private vehicles to 50 liters per day starting April 1, with pump prices held steady despite surging global crude prices.
SM Entertainment has partnered with UNICEF to improve school facilities and support children’s health in Indonesia.
As the Strait of Hormuz crisis pushes fuel prices and food costs higher across Southeast Asia, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim flew to Jakarta on March 27 for an emergency meeting with President Prabowo to coordinate a response.
South Korea and Japan are jointly searching for a missing Indonesian crewman who fell overboard near Dokdo, in the latest case involving Indonesian sailors in Korean waters.
Initiatives focus on integration, community engagement and easing social tensions.
Strong performance driven by research investment, employability focus and rising international student appeal.
Seven Indonesians were sentenced at Darwin Local Court on March 19 for fishing illegally near Cape York, bringing the total number of Indonesian fishers prosecuted in Australia since July 2025 to 153.
Brunei is planning to grow its airport traffic, cargo handling, and aviation services by 2030 to support economic growth.
Jakarta’s Eid free transport policy cost the provincial government nearly Rp3 trillion in subsidies but returned sevenfold in economic activity, Deputy Governor Rano Karno said on Sunday.
Thailand introduces nationwide schemes to lower living costs and support farmers as global tensions push prices higher.
Nearly 19,000 passengers used TransJakarta’s new Blok M to Soekarno-Hatta International Airport route in its first 13 days of operation, as the service debuted before the Lebaran travel season.
South Korea increases fuel price ceilings to manage rising costs amid global oil supply disruptions.
MITA introduces ceiling price guidelines as industry seeks to stay afloat.
TransJakarta is sending 20 of its top drivers to Japan for a training exchange, the first overseas programme run by its in-house driver school.
Intel will begin operations at its advanced packaging complex in Malaysia later this year, expanding its workforce of over 12,300 and supporting local STEM and vocational talent development.
Myanmar orders weekly work-from-home for civil servants to cut fuel use amid supply concerns.
LHDN confirms that dividends from selected government-linked funds are exempt from the new 2% tax on high dividend income.
Malaysia will enforce a stricter ban on RON95 sales to foreign vehicles, including penalties for drivers and owners.
Malaysia reduces Budi95 fuel quota to 200 litres monthly as a temporary step amid global economic pressure.
New policy to require at least 10 years’ stay and stricter screening for applicants.
Stronger travel activity and festive demand drive growth across key sectors.
The new initiative aims to expand livelihood opportunities and support women returnees.
Geopolitical risks and flight disruptions may impact arrivals and tourism receipts.
Heineken will shift Singapore brewing to Malaysia and Vietnam by 2027, affecting about 130 of its 600 workers while repurposing its Tuas plant.
TransJakarta carried over 1.1 million passengers across the first two days of Eid, peaking at 697,519 on March 22 as the Rp1 fare drew crowds to tourist-linked routes across the Indonesian capital.
The new law aims to strengthen labour protections in agriculture amid rising reliance on foreign workers.
Indonesia's largest online driver association is pressing President Prabowo Subianto to immediately sign a long-delayed presidential decree mandating a 90-10 revenue split.
Service reductions to affect provincial hubs as the airline trims global operations.
Amendments allow individuals to obtain citizenship in their mother’s name under expanded provisions.
Jakarta MRT ridership surged 77% over Lebaran 2026's first two days, as a Rp1 symbolic fare drove the system’s strongest-ever Eid performance.
Indonesia will need an estimated Rp130 trillion to rebuild flood- and landslide-hit areas in Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra over the next three years, Home Affairs Minister Tito Karnavian said on Wednesday.
Malaysia is taking steps to manage the economic risks of a prolonged Middle East conflict while supporting diplomatic efforts.
A Thai oil tanker safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz after coordination with Iran, easing concerns over disrupted energy shipments.
Malaysia secures safe passage for its oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing regional tensions.
Jeju’s Hallasan leads as authorities expand services to meet rising international demand.
Malaysia urges the ongoing ceasefire in West Asia to be extended to Lebanon as violence continues to escalate.
Indonesia's transport ministry is bracing for the Ketapang-Gilimanuk ferry crossing's peak return rush on March 28, with 73% of vehicles that crossed to Java during Eid still yet to head back to Bali.
Singapore’s job market is still growing, but signs show slower momentum and rising reliance on foreign workers.
Former TransJakarta operations and safety director Daud Joseph has been appointed CEO of state postal firm Pos Indonesia, stepping down from his role at the city transport operator after a March 11 shareholder decision.
The new initiative aims to enhance classroom inclusion and support long-term student integration.
Indonesia’s Eid return rush surged 12.37 percent to 1,448,306 passengers, while officials said the holiday also came with a major economic boost through higher household spending.
Amnesty International is urging the ILO to keep its probe into Saudi migrant worker abuses open, saying the complaint should not be dropped until there is clear evidence that reforms are actually protecting workers.
Indonesia’s flexible work policy has split the 2026 Eid return rush after Ramadan into two waves, helping ease congestion as travelers stagger their journeys.
Growing connectivity and infrastructure projects drive a rise in labour and trade flows.
Bank Rakyat Indonesia recorded a 27.7% year-on-year surge in remittance flows ahead of Eid al-Fitr 2026, driven by migrant workers sending funds home, with top inflows from Malaysia, Taiwan, and Hong Kong.
The event aims to connect students with employers and strengthen Korea-Vietnam ties.
Bilateral cooperation to expand as both nations mark 77 years of diplomatic ties.
China has limited fuel price hikes to ease the impact of rising global oil prices caused by Middle East tensions.
Report urges expansion of foreign caregiver roles and equal labour protections amid ageing population.
Jakarta’s bus rapid transit operator has increased frequencies on routes connecting major train stations and bus terminals by up to 50 percent above normal and deployed extra buses to its busiest interchange as the peak Eid return rush hits.
More than 100 migrant workers in Johor have gone unpaid for months, prompting a government probe and enforcement action.
The Indonesian police recorded a 27 percent fall in road deaths through the first nine days of the Eid homecoming operation compared to the same period last year.
Indonesia plans to introduce a one-day weekly work-from-home policy to save energy while maintaining productivity.
The airline reported a larger loss as weaker operations and rising costs weighed on its finances.
Stock markets in South Korea and Japan fell sharply as rising oil prices from the Middle East conflict weighed on energy-dependent economies.
Festive initiative held nationwide to promote Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign.
Policy aims to protect local wages while tightening conditions for migrant labour employment.
Initiative aims to ease maintenance labour shortages under Japan’s skilled worker scheme.
Rising inflows linked to classroom challenges, population shifts and changing commercial districts.
Draft legislation seeks to expand youth-focused visas and centralise immigration functions under the Justice Ministry.
Japan and Taiwan will expand their working holiday program starting from April applications, allowing young people to obtain the visa up to twice instead of only once.
More than 1.44 million households expected to qualify under relaxed childcare support policy.
The new initiative aims to support workers, including migrants, facing gender and pregnancy-related bias.
Amid growing demand for care workers in Japan, the government has decided to extend a special measure allowing individuals to work as certified care workers without passing the national exam.
The World Food Programme warns that the West Asia conflict could sharply increase global hunger due to rising food and fuel costs.
Seoul will allow overseas-issued cards to be used at subway kiosks to make travel easier for foreign visitors.
Ethnic Kazakhs dominate new arrivals as overall migration patterns shift in 2025.
Ministry launches enforcement action after investigation into delayed salary payments involving construction firm
The number of successful candidates under Japan’s EPA framework fell 24% in 2025, marking the lowest pass rate on record, government data showed.
Experts say Japanese companies may gradually expand their business activities in India beyond manufacturing as the market continues to grow.
Foreign investment companies in Brunei have generated thousands of jobs, with more projects expected to boost employment in the coming years.
Thailand’s tourism sector faces possible losses as the Middle East conflict disrupts flights, raises costs and reduces visitor numbers.
Indonesia and Singapore are close to finalising a green industrial zone project in the Riau Islands linked to clean energy cooperation and cross-border electricity trade.
The Philippines has reduced airport and passenger charges and announced financial aid measures to help ease the impact of rising fuel prices on airlines and commuters.
Inspections uncover dozens of cases involving illegal residence and employment in southern Vietnam.
Health Ministry To Probe Claims of Foreign Patients Avoiding Hospital Deposits
As labor shortages deepen in Japan, the country is increasingly looking for new sources of foreign workers.
Jakarta's governor Pramono Anung has ordered MRT, LRT, TransJakarta and all other provincially managed transport to operate effectively free of charge on March 21 and 22 during the two days of Eid holiday.
Malaysia is set to see higher tourist arrivals during Hari Raya, supported by regional travel and strong demand for Muslim-friendly tourism.
Education support struggles to keep pace as the number of students from migrant backgrounds continues to grow.
A drone attack sparked a fire near Dubai International Airport on Monday, forcing all flights to suspend from 6:30am and diverting two Emirates services from Jakarta and Denpasar as the ongoing tension between the US, Israel, and Iran heightens.
Overseas Filipino workers sent home $3.02 billion in January — a 3.5 percent gain year on year — on a day the peso hit its worst-ever close of P59.87 to the dollar.
More people from Gulf countries are showing interest in Malaysia’s Malaysia My Second Home (MM2H) programme as the country promotes itself as a safe and neutral destination.
Over 1,100 arrested for breaching pass conditions in nationwide enforcement operations.
Foreign Ministry says no citizens are stranded by air as diplomatic missions continue monitoring the situation.
Air India and Air India Express have cancelled all flights to and from Dubai after a drone strike near the airport led to a temporary suspension of operations.
As military tensions between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalate, concerns are growing over the safety of millions of migrant workers employed across the Gulf region.
Indonesia’s national carrier is inserting an extra Jakarta-Amsterdam round trip on March 24 and 25, both outside its normal schedule and both falling on the Eid homecoming peak.
As labor shortages deepen in Japan, South Asia is drawing attention as a new source of foreign workers. According to a study by Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting, countries such as Sri Lanka, India, and Nepal are considered to have significant .
The Human Resources Ministry has advised employers to provide flexibility and follow legal requirements regarding the additional public holiday for Aidilfitri.
Authorities expect heavy traffic at the Rantau Panjang border checkpoint as thousands travel home for Hari Raya Aidilfitri, with tighter security measures in place.
More than 1,100 people repatriated as tensions linked to Iran strand travellers in the region.
The government is activating one-way tolls across Java on March 17 as authorities forecast 21.97 million people will travel simultaneously on Wednesday, March 18, the outbound peak of the 2026 Lebaran homecoming season.
KP2MI has stationed staff from all 23 of its regional offices across airports, seaports and land border posts ahead of the Lebaran homecoming season, as the ministry expects more migrant workers to return this year.
Indonesia's state-funded Eid homecoming scheme is explicitly prioritising communities still recovering from the November 2025 floods that killed over 1,200 people across Aceh, North Sumatra and West Sumatra.
Jakarta issued a formal condemnation of Israeli military escalation in Lebanon on Saturday, demanding respect for Lebanese sovereignty and UN peacekeeper safety as its own 1,090 soldiers remain deployed under fire in the south.
Indonesia’s trade office in Taipei is working with Taiwanese authorities to improve migrant worker protection and legal assistance for Indonesians facing legal issues.
Indonesian and South Korean lawmakers met in Jakarta to strengthen ties, focusing on migrant worker protection, trade growth, and possible defense cooperation.
A support group says more Myanmar migrant workers in Singapore are reporting unpaid salaries, unfair work conditions, and misleading job offers, with cases rising sharply in recent years.
The single platform aims to streamline approvals and cut processing time for investors.
The Labour Ministry says the domestic economy can absorb returning workers despite Bangkok’s border restrictions.
Several Asia-Pacific airlines are increasing ticket prices after the Middle East conflict pushed jet fuel costs sharply higher.
A state-backed loan of up to Rp100 million at 6 percent annual interest is now available to all prospective Indonesian migrant workers, after the scheme was previously dominated by internship graduates.
Indonesia’s main gateway is gearing up for its heaviest Eid al-Fitr rush in recent memory, with over 3 million passengers, 735 extra flights, and nearly 8,000 personnel deployed as the Lebaran homecoming season begins today.
Indonesia’s P2MI ministry has introduced a low-interest credit programme to help prospective migrant workers fund overseas employment safely and affordably.
Cases involving pregnancy and childbirth among technical intern trainees have raised growing concerns about the lack of support and information available to foreign workers in Japan.
Young workers leaving Vietnam’s Nghe An Province for jobs in cities and overseas are creating growing concerns, even as foreign investment generates new employment opportunities in the region.
International students in Japan are facing growing challenges balancing academic studies with part-time work, as concerns mount over violations of the 28-hour weekly work limit.
Malaysia plans to introduce an insurance scheme to protect citizens who commute daily to Singapore for work.
A UN human rights body warned the United States that racial profiling of Hispanic, African and Asian migrants by immigration officers, alongside hate speech from senior politicians, is fuelling a growing pattern of discrimination.
Several Asian governments have ordered public sector workers to stay home or compress their work weeks to conserve fuel, as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz drives oil prices to rise.
The nationalities of foreign workers in Japan are shifting from Vietnam toward countries such as Indonesia and Myanmar, partly due to factors including the weak yen.
A new government survey highlights wage levels, working hours and job satisfaction among foreign employees.
President Prabowo Subianto says Indonesia will continue its ‘free and active’ foreign policy and avoid siding with any global power bloc.
Passenger train services between Pyongyang and Beijing will resume this week, restoring a key transport link suspended since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Sunday screening programme aims to improve healthcare access and early detection among the city’s growing foreign population.
Ride-hailing platformGrab claimed it has completed distributing Rp110 billion ($7 million) in Eid holiday bonuses to more than 400,000 Indonesian driver partners.
As the number of foreign residents in Japan reached a record high, the government approved a revision to the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act at a Cabinet meeting.
Bangladesh is importing diesel from several countries, including Malaysia, Singapore and India, to ensure stable energy supplies during rising tensions in West Asia.
The Singapore Armed Forces has completed another evacuation flight from Saudi Arabia, bringing home citizens and assisting foreign nationals affected by unrest and airspace disruptions in the Middle East.
Authorities say national security concerns outweigh calls from businesses facing labour shortages.
Millions of Nepalis continue to seek work overseas as limited domestic industries struggle to create enough jobs at home.
Polda Metro Jaya has launched Operation Ketupat Jaya 2026 with nearly 7,000 joint security personnel deployed across the capital, as government-subsidised free homecoming buses start ferrying tens of thousands of low-income Jakartans to their hometow
Anthropic will open a Sydney office, its fourth in Asia-Pacific, as demand grows in Australia and New Zealand for its Claude AI models.
One in eight migrants in South Korea faced financial hardship in the past year, with the most common problem being an inability to afford medical care, according to new government survey data.
Indonesia suspended a Jakarta migrant placement firm for three months after finding it sent workers to 15 Middle Eastern countries under a long-standing domestic worker deployment moratorium.
Indonesians visiting China will be able to pay using QRIS through Alipay starting May 2026, under a cross-border payment initiative between Bank Indonesia and People’s Bank of China.
As tensions around Iran escalate, concerns are growing over the safety of foreign workers living across the Gulf region.
Authorities say potential impact on enrolment and resources must be assessed before easing rules.
Overseas workers send more than USD1.48 billion in the first two months of the year.
Phuket authorities are taking steps to address delays in issuing and renewing work permits for over 130,000 foreign workers affecting local businesses.
A shortage of motorcycle taxi drivers during Ramadan in Jakarta has drawn attention to falling earnings and drivers’ demands to cut platform commissions.
Singapore will ban caged lorries next year to improve worker safety, but activists say the move does not fully address transport risks.
Despite the war in the Middle East, only 23 out of about 58,000 Thai workers in Israel have asked to return home.
Indonesia plans to send 4,000 migrant workers to Germany under a new partnership while stressing strong protection measures.
Thailand has instructed government agencies to adopt work-from-home arrangements and cut energy use amid ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia.
Thai police plan to install barbed wire along illegal crossing points on the Sungai Golok River to strengthen security along the Malaysia and Thailand border.
The government prepares additional evacuation flights as the situation in the Gulf begins to ease.
Moves are underway to secure alternative sources of rare earths beyond China.
Foreign Minister Sugiono urged Indonesians to postpone non-essential Middle East travel after 22 of 32 evacuees from Iran landed in Jakarta, routed overland through Azerbaijan and via Istanbul.
The initiative aims to coordinate support and possible repatriation amid regional tensions.
Authorities in Japan are increasingly uncovering cases of businesses illegally employing runaway technical intern trainees, highlighting persistent problems within the country’s foreign trainee system.
Thailand says any border negotiations with Cambodia will only proceed after a new government is formed.
Thai police say prostitution cases involving African women have been rising in recent months, prompting increased crackdowns.
Authorities warn of safety risks and growing competition for local riders.
Three key maritime areas designated as warlike operations zones amid escalating regional tensions.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim says Malaysia is ready to back diplomatic moves to stop fighting in the Gulf region.
Escalating Middle East conflict threatens $6.5 billion in annual remittances sent home by Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs).
Telecom firms activate programmes to help overseas Filipinos stay connected with families.
Malaysia has evacuated 164 citizens from several West Asian countries amid rising tensions in the region.
The Transport Ministry approves permits for two LRT Jakarta Phase 2A and LRT Jakarta Phase 2B extensions toward Jakarta International Stadium and Halim Perdanakusuma Airport, with funding and priority still under review.
South Korea has arranged a special flight to bring 300 citizens home amid the Middle East conflict, as disruptions leave many stranded.
China’s special envoy to the Middle East has urged all sides to stop military action and return to negotiations as tensions rise in the region.
Rising tensions in Iran have pushed global oil prices up sharply, prompting Asian governments to take emergency measures to protect consumers and energy supplies.
The Embassy of Iran in Jakarta said Iran views recent United States–Israel strikes as violations of sovereignty and international law.
Indonesia's President Prabowo Subianto warned Indonesians the Iran–Israel–United States conflict could bring economic hardship to Indonesia as markets fall and oil prices surge.
Trade and travel across the 5th Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge generated 47.5 billion kip in revenue during January, boosting connectivity and state income.
The Ministry of Migrant Worker Protection warned that Indonesian domestic workers promised jobs in Dubai or Istanbul are being trafficked instead to conflict-hit Libya despite a government deployment moratorium.
Minister Ariful Haque Choudhury warned the escalating Middle East conflict could reduce remittances from Bangladeshi workers, a key income source for Bangladesh’s economy.
Indonesia has demanded an investigation after a missile strike sank the UAE-flagged tugboat Musaffah 2 in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving three Indonesian crew members missing.
Tehran named Mojtaba Khamenei, the assassinated supreme leader's 56-year-old son, as his father's successor eight days after US-Israeli strikes killed Ali Khamenei.
The home minister says enforcement will be intensified following complaints from business groups.
Singapore’s new workforce reforms aim to strengthen careers, support inclusive employment, and help workers adapt to AI and future job changes.
The number of Malaysians arrested as scam mules in Taiwan has surged sharply, with authorities warning that some are now linked to organised fraud syndicates.
Singapore Airlines will help bring citizens home from Oman amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
Anthropic, Claude’s developers, finds early signs of slower hiring for young workers in AI-exposed jobs, especially white-collar roles in its latest industry report.
Indonesia may add two new Europe-based diaspora players as it's preparing for the FIFA Series 2026 game against St. Kitts & Nevis, with names like Tristan Gooijer and Dean Zandbergen circulating.
The Philippines and Singapore signed a social development MOU on Wednesday covering child welfare, disability, and women's empowerment.
The airline expands its Southeast Asia and Far East network amid rising travel demand.
Thailand saw strong tourism growth in February, with 3.26 million foreign visitors boosting revenue and China leading as the main source market.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled that seven players in Malaysia’s eligibility scandal will serve 12-month bans from official matches only, while upholding a CHF 350,000 fine on FAM for document falsification in the naturalisation proces
US companies were named in nearly four times as many migrant worker abuse cases as any other country in 2025, as a new report documented 747 cases globally and found workers increasingly unable to seek remedy.
Japan is set to compile new land regulation rules by the summer of 2026, one of the key pillars of its foreign policy.
More young South Koreans are leaving government jobs early due to heavy workloads, low pay and rising stress.
Although the number of runaway technical intern trainees in Japan has declined, cases involving missing workers continue to emerge.
Ahead of the introduction of the new Employment and Skill Development program for foreign workers, workplace environments will play a key role in retaining them.
Malaysia’s Consulate-General in Dubai is working with airlines to increase flights to help Malaysians return home after travel disruptions in the UAE.
Thousands of motorists from Myanmar crossed into Thailand to refuel their vehicles after petrol prices rise sharply at home, triggering heavy queues at border fuel stations.
The Embassy cites regional tensions and reduced flight services as reasons for precaution.
The US-Israeli strikes on Iran forced Qantas to break its seven-year Perth-London nonstop streak with a Singapore stopover, as the broader airspace closure grounded more than 11,000 flights and suspended operations at all three major Gulf hubs.
Citizens urged to avoid travel and prepare for possible evacuation amid escalating regional tensions.
More than 55,000 cross-border marriages have been registered since 2019, with Singapore among top 3.
Authorities say the case marks the first crackdown on Japan-linked scam bases in the country.
Companies cite skills shortages and an ageing population as key drivers of overseas hiring.
Agreement strengthens global learning pathways and supports foreign language education in public schools.
Malaysia will expand the MyNIISe immigration system at entry points, but travellers will still have other clearance options.
Kyungpook National University to partner FPT University in the first overseas venture by a public institution.
As the number of foreign workers supporting regional industries continues to reach record highs across Japan, a court ruling has highlighted the need to review how technical intern trainees are accepted and protected.
As the number of foreign residents in Japan continues to rise, new social challenges are coming into focus, underscoring the need for greater public understanding.
Employers who break labour laws or abuse workers will not be allowed to recruit foreign workers, the Dewan Rakyat was told.
New immigration measures aim to address labour shortages linked to low birth rates and an ageing population.
About 100 firms penalised for inflating foreign worker quotas through fraudulent arrangements.
Air travel across the Middle East has been disrupted following United States and Israeli strikes on Iran, as tensions in the region escalate.
The Education Ministry steps up outreach and infrastructure efforts to attract global learners.
Britain will block certain study and work visas for nationals from four countries in a bid to reduce rising asylum applications made through legal entry routes.
Chartered buses, job fairs and welfare posts help migrant workers and disaster victims secure stable employment.
Indonesian Foreign Minister Sugiono called Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Farhan on Wednesday to urge de-escalation, days after separately calling Iran's foreign minister and offering Prabowo as a mediator.
China evacuated more than 3,000 citizens from Iran by March 2 and condemned the US-Israeli strikes as a violation of international law, while privately pressing Tehran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for energy shipments.
The first 299 Filipinos landed in Manila on Thursday from Dubai, but with 1,189 OFWs still requesting repatriation across the Middle East and airports under fire, the government has not yet ordered a mass evacuation.
Higher charges for foreign visitors planned to support multilingual services and exhibition quality.
Indonesia is preparing to evacuate its citizens from conflict areas in the Middle East, starting with 15 Indonesians in Tehran who have requested to leave Iran.
A 2025 SEEK survey finds Singapore has Southeast Asia’s least happy workers at 56% amid high burnout, trailing Indonesia at 82%.
Indonesia's migrant worker ministry confirmed no Indonesian workers had been harmed in the Middle East conflict.
Over 3,000 migrants died on Asian routes in 2025, with global deaths reaching 7,667, as reported by International Organization for Migration.
As Japan expands its acceptance of foreign workers, a recent forgery case is drawing attention to the risks surrounding the integrity of residency documents.
ASEAN is monitoring the Middle East conflict and stands ready to assist Southeast Asian workers affected by the crisis.
Millions of migrant workers in the Middle East face growing danger as regional tensions rise, prompting governments to prepare evacuation plans.
The government offers visa extensions and strengthens emergency response amid Middle East tensions.
Deployment of newly hired Filipino workers suspended in several Middle Eastern countries amid heightened security concerns.
Indonesia is evacuating 15 citizens from Tehran via Baku as US-Israel strikes on Iran escalate, while 329 Indonesians in the country remain safe and Jakarta’s mediation offer draws mixed reactions at home.
Police data shows long-term decline in crime involving foreigners, countering claims that immigration is harming public safety.
Indonesia's stock market fell, the rupiah came under pressure, and economists warned of fuel shortages within three weeks as the US-Israeli strikes on Iran effectively shut the Strait of Hormuz and severed Middle East supply routes the country depend
The Labour ministry brings recruitment, training and social security services directly to communities to boost domestic employment.
Flanders tightened 2026 work permit rules via "concentric circles" that prioritizes locals/EU workers, cutting low-skilled roles from 29 to 21 while easing seasonal access, amid shortage concerns.
Telkom's fintech arm Finnet signed a deal with Indonesia's migrant worker ministry to plug its digital payment network directly into government services.
Indonesian lawmakers back efforts to ensure millions of migrant workers can exercise their voting rights through improved data integration and voter education.
Japan is facing challenges in improving Japanese language schools as the number of foreign residents and students continues to rise.
Even as the number of foreign residents in Japan continues to rise, the number of foreign nationals apprehended for crimes has declined.
Japan is actively monitoring the Middle East and preparing evacuation measures to ensure the safety of its citizens amid escalating regional conflict.
Tensions are rising in the Strait of Hormuz following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, with attacks on oil tankers occurring in succession.
The Malaysian Consulate in Jeddah has opened an operations room to monitor and assist Malaysians affected by the Middle East conflict.
Over one million Filipino workers face rising risks in the Middle East as tensions escalate.
A prominent Indonesian former diplomat called Prabowo's offer to fly to Tehran and mediate between the US, Israel, and Iran politically suicidal and unrealistic, saying Jakarta has no meaningful relationship with the Iranian government to build on.
Thailand says all its workers in the Middle East are safe and has prepared evacuation plans if needed.
Iran’s ambassador in Jakarta, Indonesia, said many embassies are contacting Tehran to evacuate their citizens following the US-led strikes on Iran.
As labor shortages deepen across Japan, local governments are stepping up efforts to make the country a more attractive destination for foreign workers.
The government says carefully managed immigration will be needed to offset the aging population and shrinking birth rates.
Britain will strip refugees of automatic permanent protection, reviewing their cases every 30 months under rules that take effect immediately and apply to people granted status as far back as 2021.
Tourism ministry says extended check-in period could improve value for money and enhance global competitiveness.
Remittances from Indonesian migrant workers hit a record Rp288 trillion in 2025, up 14% from 2024, as the government pushes higher-skilled overseas placements through its SMK Go Global program.
South Korea will grant visa-free entry to Indonesian group tourists until July 2026 as part of a broader push to attract 30 million visitors by 2030.
The Malaysian Embassy in Muscat has provided updates and advice to Malaysians stranded in Oman, including flight arrangements and extended hotel stays.
Iran has welcomed Indonesia’s offer to mediate its conflict with the United States following recent military strikes.
Indonesia's Foreign Ministry confirmed 329 Indonesians were safe in Tehran while urging 58,000 stranded umrah pilgrims in Saudi Arabia to postpone departure.
As Southeast Asian governments intensify their crackdown on scam operations, embassies in Phnom Penh are facing a surge of people seeking protection and assistance.
In a bid to revive regional tourism demand, Kagoshima Prefecture has moved to fully subsidize Shinkansen fares for foreign visitors, a foreigner-only incentive that has triggered a wave of criticism.
As part of its Zero Illegal Stay plan, the Japanese government is moving to expand the scope of entry screening for foreign nationals.
Japan’s birth numbers have declined for the 10th consecutive year, underscoring the country’s deepening demographic challenges.
Policy shift allows selected national universities to expand intake amid global talent race.
Cambodia’s industrial sector expanded in 2025 with over 3,000 factories and 1.26 million workers, most of them women, as the government pushes for stronger standards and self-reliance.
The Engineer/Specialist in Humanities/International Service visa, originally intended for white-collar professional work, has come under scrutiny amid reports that some holders are being engaged in simple labor outside the scope of their status.
World Dagachi teams up with Shinhan Bank to enhance access to financial and daily life services for migrants and international students in South Korea.
Ho Chi Minh City will fully fund tuition and provide living allowances for resident doctors to address staff shortages and strengthen its public healthcare system.
With care worker shortages deepening across regional Japan, Aomori Prefecture has included new funding in its fiscal 2026 budget to strengthen workforce recruitment and retention.
Singapore’s resident fertility rate fell to 0.87 in 2025, raising concerns over a shrinking citizen population, rapid ageing, and the need for immigration to maintain the workforce.
South Korea’s shipbuilding industry is moving to hire more local workers as orders surge, amid concerns over heavy reliance on foreign labour and long-term workforce gaps.
Indonesia’s new ambassador to Malaysia has pledged to strengthen ties through closer cooperation in investment, trade and worker protection.
The labour ministry links sharp decline to border tensions with Thailand and large-scale return of migrant workers to the domestic job market.
Revised regulations introduce heavier penalties for undocumented workers, contract violations and unauthorised recruitment to strengthen market stability.
Diplomats reaffirm commitment to cooperation, people-to-people links and regional engagement during meetings in Ottawa.
A new ILO report found that 30 percent of Indonesian migrant fishermen experienced forced labour, the highest rate of any origin country surveyed, in an industry where workers average 94-hour weeks and only 4 in 20 forced labour victims ever resolve
China has imposed new export restrictions on dozens of Japanese companies as tensions rise over security issues and Taiwan, further straining economic ties between the two countries.
South Korea has announced easier visa policies and wider use of regional airports to attract more foreign tourists and spread travel beyond Seoul.
Rising satisfaction with safety, transport and services boosts the city's appeal among expatriates.
The Human Resources Ministry is intensifying engagement with gig industry players before the Gig Worker Act 2025 comes into force at the end of March.
Jakarta's governor conceded his public transport push has not fully worked, blaming deeply ingrained private vehicle habits even as the city froze fares and spent Rp6.4 trillion on subsidies in 2025.
Jakarta's public transport network covers 92 percent of the city but only 23.6 percent of residents use it regularly, prompting Governor Pramono Anung to push satellite cities to share the load.
Malaysia recorded more than 1.6 million visitors from India in 2025, boosted by visa-free entry and stronger air links ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
Renewal applications for Category B and C permits are increasingly rejected as authorities enforce stricter age limits.
India will gradually restore all visa categories for Bangladeshi citizens, officials say, as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
The new services mark the airline's entry into the South Korean market and first Taiwanese-operated link from Taichung to Busan.
The company offers closure relief and complimentary accident protection under year-long resilience and healthcare campaigns.
Industry leaders warn that importing fully built vehicles from India could hurt local manufacturers, reduce job opportunities and weaken domestic economic growth.
KAI launched its refurbished budget “People’s Economy Train” on the Jakarta to Yogyakarta route on February 25.
The government will allocate RM5 million to PERKESO to help graduates and job seekers find jobs that better match their skills and qualifications.
Enhanced screening, data analytics and automated clearance systems led to more travellers being turned away in 2025, says immigration authority.
Applicants will no longer be required to submit visa requests in person under the new digital system.
Immigration data shows a surge in Asian enrolments as universities face shrinking local intakes.
The agency overseeing Indonesia's proposed 535 km North Java coastal megaproject says the structure will carry toll roads, mass transit, wind power plants and solar panels.
Reform UK's new ICE-style deportation agency plan targets up to 288,000 removals a year and includes a visa ban on Pakistan.
Coordinating Minister Muhaimin Iskandar says Indonesia will no longer send workers abroad without at least a vocational high school diploma, targeting up to 500,000 certified skilled workers for Japan, South Korea, Europe, and the US starting June 20
Indonesia is stepping up efforts to protect its migrant workers in Cameroon and neighbouring Central African countries following reports of exploitation, hostage cases and weak legal safeguards.
Jakarta is urging Sofia to speed up visa processing before an April arrival window closes on a large batch of Indonesian hotel and restaurant workers.
Penang City Council has banned foreign workers from cooking or running stalls at Ramadan bazaars, allowing them only to assist local traders while stepping up enforcement, cleanliness and traffic control.
Indonesia successfully repatriated a migrant worker from Oman after cross-border coordination, while reaffirming strict action against illegal recruitment practices.
A viral video of a state scholar saying she does not want her children to hold Indonesian passports has triggered sanctions against dozens of scholarship recipients and a government-wide investigation into 600 more.
The killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho) triggered nationwide cartel violence in Mexico, prompting Jakarta's embassy to issue an emergency advisory to Indonesians in affected areas.
The Korea Visa Application Center Manila waived the three-month bank statement requirement for all visa types for citizens of the Philippines.
Malaysia has introduced stricter entry conditions for Chinese nationals to curb misuse of visa-free travel for illegal employment.
Laos and Japan are strengthening cooperation in education and skills training to build a stronger workforce and improve governance.
PhilHealth and DOLE-NCR have signed an agreement to improve Filipino workers’ access to primary healthcare through workplace-based enrolment and awareness programmes.
Thailand plans to extend the work permit deadline for more than 300,000 migrant workers to prevent labour shortages and protect economic stability.
Thailand and Myanmar have held talks to explore restoring Myanmar’s engagement with ASEAN following years of strained relations after the 2021 military takeover.
Indonesian police arrested Interpol Red Notice fugitive Rifaldo Aquino Pontoh in Bali for allegedly trafficking Indonesians into Cambodian scam compounds through fake online job offers.
A Washington think tank’s labor analysis finds no evidence that reducing immigrant workers has helped American-born workers, as the policy bites hardest across Asia.
Southeast Asia's largest bank and the former GGV Capital Asia have formalized a three-year partnership giving DBS wealth clients access to an AI-focused IPO fund, with more products to follow.
A senior DPR lawmaker overseeing LPDP has called for a policy review after a scholar’s video celebrating her child’s British citizenship raised concerns over weak return enforcement.
Two organisations signed an MOU to strengthen settlement programmes and boost Busan’s global competitiveness.
The city allocates funds for education, welfare and integration to help foreign residents become self-reliant.
Singapore will start building the Downtown Line 2 extension in the second quarter of 2026 after awarding SGD735 million in contracts for three new stations.
Japan has pledged 221 million yen in aid to support displaced communities in Cambodia’s conflict-affected border regions.
Singapore will introduce new salary guidelines that will raise pay for 23,000 community care workers, supported by government funding and higher long-term care subsidies.
South Korean lawmakers and the government are reviewing visa reforms to allow foreign students and graduates to work in more sectors to help ease labour shortages and retain talent.
Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, plans to introduce a prefecture-led reward system to encourage reports on the illegal employment of foreign nationals.
Arrivals decline for the first time in four years as Chinese travel drops sharply and holiday timing shifts.
All five of Jakarta's main public transit systems are allowing passengers to break their Ramadan fast on board this year.
Indonesia is in talks with Saudi food regulators to export farmed fish for its Hajj pilgrims, building on its recent success securing approval to ship domestic rice for the same purpose.
Jakarta's free transit card program saw registrations jump 143 percent in 2025, with 76,500 people signing up after the city expanded eligibility to 15 categories of residents.
Jakarta schools must end the day by 2 p.m. throughout Ramadan under a joint national circular signed by three ministers.
An Indonesian lawmaker is pushing to ban motorcycles from crossing provincial boundaries during the 2026 Lebaran mudik.
With the introduction of the new Training and Employment system in 2027, which will allow foreign workers greater job mobility, ensuring their long-term retention has emerged as a key challenge.
As cross-border scam networks continue to expand across Southeast Asia, the Japanese government is strengthening international cooperation to curb the growing threat.
Japan is funding a ¥156 million International Labour Organization project to provide job training and reintegration support for Cambodian migrants displaced by border clashes with Thailand.
The agriculture ministry says education and guidance will precede enforcement of new protection rules.
Cambodia has intensified a nationwide operation against online scam networks, dismantling hundreds of cases and seeking stronger international cooperation to curb cybercrime.
The West Nusa Tenggara government is reforming its training centres and expanding a zero-cost placement scheme to better prepare and protect its migrant workers.
The Philippines has rejected remarks by the Chinese Embassy suggesting that strained ties could cost millions of jobs, calling the statement inappropriate and potentially coercive.
Prabowo Subianto is in Washington for talks with Donald Trump, the first formal Board of Peace meeting after its Davos signing, and a planned U.S.–Indonesia trade deal.
The Malaysian Prime Minister says Putrajaya will keep funding projects in Johor while stressing benefits must reach the people.
Singapore will increase minimum salaries for work passes, raise the local salary floor and adjust levies to manage foreign workforce growth.
Companies target Middle East and Southeast Asia as mainland businesses and workers move abroad.
Test administrators say the new rule aims to improve exam management and communication with candidates.
The Malaysian government plans a tiered levy system to cut reliance on foreign labour and boost automation and local skills training.
Malaysia’s KTMB is offering 30% off all ETS routes for Ramadan, with no stated end date, redeemable via promo codes on its app, website, or station kiosks.
Jakarta opens registration for a free Eid homecoming program and offers 26,500 seats to help residents travel safely to 20 destinations across Java and Sumatra.
Overseas Filipino workers sent home a record $35.63 billion in 2025 as remittances stayed strong despite slower economic growth.
Indonesia's Chinese New Year holiday is projected to circulate Rp 9.06 trillion, led by air travel and household spending.
Government unveils verified job portal Karirhub to protect workers from employment fraud.
Nissan Motor Co. reported a widening quarterly net loss as restructuring costs weighed on earnings, even as the company improved operating performance.
One of Japan’s leading logistics companies has announced the hiring of foreign truck drivers under the Specified Skilled Worker program, highlighting the growing role of overseas labor in addressing the country’s chronic driver shortage.
A group of Japanese university students held a cultural exchange event at a school run by the Chin refugee community from Myanmar, creating a space for dialogue and mutual learning across cultures in Kuala Lumpur.
The company aims to increase the share of overseas sales by tapping into the growing demand for contact lenses across Asia.
Japan’s transport ministry has told municipalities nationwide to track the nationality and residence status of foreign nationals newly entering public housing.
Government data shows sharp decline following designation of capital as restricted property zone.
Sakuranesia Foundation says industry-focused training and student exchanges will strengthen human resource development.
PM says higher salary thresholds and levy adjustments will keep Singapore open to talent while prioritising citizens.
South Korea’s shipbuilding industry faces rising safety concerns and labour shortages as local workers shun dangerous jobs, increasing reliance on migrant labour.
Three employment industry groups have called on the government to clarify its proposal to allow direct hiring of foreign workers, saying licensed agencies already ensure protection and proper employment.
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers is introducing wide-ranging digital reforms to speed up services, reduce bureaucracy and strengthen protection for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), including those in the UAE and Middle East.
Kereta Cepat Indonesia-China teamed up with Trip.com to widen international ticket access for Whoosh amid growing global demand and continued government debt support.
The Tourism Ministry says most visitors stay less than a month and can apply for extensions if needed.
The Home Minister says the centralised system boosts transparency, enforcement and governance of foreign workers.
Indonesia’s Global Citizenship Visa has seen weak uptake, with only 11 applications due to high costs and limited rights for diaspora members.
At its 18th Annual Council Meeting in Seoul the ASEAN‑Korea Centre approved 30 programs under a 2026–2030 Action Plan, including a new ASEAN Hall in Jeonju
The province eyes Cheongju Airport and Osong Station as hubs to expand inbound travel and foreign talent.
Japanese logistics firms are hiring more foreign drivers, especially from Vietnam and Indonesia, to ease a worsening truck driver shortage caused by an ageing population and stricter overtime rules.
The government will enforce the Gig Workers Act 2025 next year to better protect 3.45 million informal workers through stronger legal recognition and expanded social security coverage.
Laos is moving forward with paperless cross-border trade reforms to improve trade efficiency, cut costs, and strengthen regional integration under global trade agreements.
The Malaysian government is positioning TVET as the main driver of workforce development, with strong graduate employability, higher starting salaries and major new investments in high-skilled training.
T’way Air will launch a Seoul–Jakarta route on April 29, 2026, becoming the first Korean low-cost carrier to operate the connection.
Indonesia will apply a five-day Work From Anywhere policy around Eid 2026 for public and private workers.
Indonesia will use state funds to cover Whoosh high-speed rail debt, reversing the project’s original promise not to burden taxpayers.
DBS Bank topped TIME and Statista’s 2026 Asia-Pacific rankings, leading 500 companies on the back of record profits, strong ESG performance, and workplace innovation.
Vietnam’s revised Temporary Residence Card rules now limit eligibility and add an extra visa step, likely extending processing times for many foreign workers and their families.
South Korea is considering loosening rules that restrict migrant workers’ movement between regions outside the capital, as part of a wider effort to improve rights and flexibility under the Employment Permit System.
Pertamina's Pelita Air will merge with Garuda Indonesia by March 2026 as part of Indonesia's plan to consolidate over 1,000 state-owned entities into 300 companies.
The European Parliament approved new rules allowing asylum seekers to be deported to unrelated third countries deemed safe.
The Philippines’ migrant agency is standardizing services nationwide as digital reforms accelerate and illegal recruitment surges.
The Ministry of Religious Affairs invites eligible students to apply for undergraduate and postgraduate studies abroad.
Bilateral ties and labour facilitation take centre stage in Kathmandu talks.
Authorities cite rising arrivals from Europe, North America and Southeast Asia as key to recovery.
The one-year pilot programme aims to overcome language barriers and improve safety for foreign workers.
Enhanced interviews and safety-focused tests aim to improve language skills and workplace awareness among foreign workers.
IPB led Indonesia’s public universities in foreign student exchanges in 2025, hosting 1,526 visitors from 81 countries.
Jakarta will begin construction of the MRT East–West Line in 2026 from Thamrin, Central Jakarta.
Hsiao Bi-khim urges foreign workers to share emergency preparedness skills with communities.
Five-year programme with McGill University aims to strengthen teacher quality and school leadership nationwide.
Russia made up over half of the 350 discrimination complaints by Indian students abroad in 2025, despite hosting around 30,000 Indian students and growing enrolments.
A widening gap is emerging between the original purpose of Japan’s professional visa system and the realities faced by foreign workers on the ground.
In a town where foreign workers play a key role in supporting local industries, crackdowns on undocumented residents are increasing.
Deals signed during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit have strengthened Malaysia-India ties, boosted investor confidence and reinforced Malaysia’s regional and global standing.
Malaysia plans to introduce a protection scheme for workers who commute across borders, ensuring safety, income security, and benefits for families by the end of 2026.
The Indonesian government has outlined eight strategies to expand overseas job opportunities and improve skills, protection and income prospects for migrant workers.
Malaysia and China are planning to set up a joint institute to strengthen skills training, knowledge exchange and talent development in high-impact TVET fields.
PT Kereta Api Indonesia’s urban rail network carried 442.1 million passengers in 2025, up 8.9% year on year.
Indonesia’s Manpower Ministry fined PT Borneo Alumindo Prima Rp2.17 billion after finding 164 undocumented foreign workers at its West Kalimantan alumina smelter.
More than RM77 million collected in compounds as authorities urge undocumented migrants to come forward before April deadline.
Seasonal factors cited as outbound worker numbers ease after December surge, with Saudi Arabia remaining top destination.
Higher VEP and GVP charges and removal of free entry days aimed at narrowing cost gap with local vehicles.
Indonesia’s SME Export Programme helped 1,217 SMEs generate USD 134.87 million (IDR 2.27 trillion) in confirmed and potential deals in 2025 through 622 business-matching events.
A Korean business group says higher starting pay at large firms is widening wage gaps and raising labour costs compared with Japan and Taiwan.
Human Rights Watch says 100,000 Indigenous Papuans were displaced by military operations in 2025, warning of broader rights backsliding under President Prabowo.
An ILO project funded by the European Union is helping women migrant workers in Malaysia’s electronics sector gain confidence, organise collectively and better understand their labour rights.
Jakarta MRT plans to extend its East-West Line 30 km into Banten to Balaraja, following a deal with seven developers to study the project.
Indonesia's economy grew 5.11 percent in 2025, missing the government's target, with Java accounting for nearly 57 percent of GDP.
A South Korean provincial governor has drawn strong criticism after suggesting foreign women be brought in to help address population decline in rural areas.
South Korean and Malaysian police have signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen joint action against transnational crimes, including online scams.
Positive attitudes toward foreign auto mechanics are emerging at worksites across Japan, according to a recent survey.
Indonesia and South Africa signed a tourism cooperation deal to deepen travel ties, building on last year’s reciprocal visa-free agreement.
Singapore aims to attract 17 to 18 million visitors this year, generating up to SGD32.5 billion in tourism receipts as the sector builds on steady growth from 2025.
In a city with a large foreign resident population, the mayoral election saw some candidates openly campaign on exclusionary rhetoric targeting foreigners.
Vietnam recorded the fastest growth rate among ASEAN countries in international arrivals in 2025, according to JETRO.
An undocumented Indonesian domestic worker stranded and ill in Saudi Arabia is seeking help to return home after being abandoned by an illegal recruitment agent.
Singapore has approved a USD34.7 million contribution to IMF funds to support vulnerable countries and debt relief efforts, saying the move will not affect domestic spending.
Foreign Worker Cup 2026 aims to foster health, inclusion and community spirit among migrant workforce in Petaling Jaya.
Government-backed financing of up to Rp100 million aims to ease overseas placement costs for vocational graduates under the SMK Go Global programme.
Visa and UnionPay International are connecting their payment networks to enable real-time money transfers to mainland China debit cards starting in the first half of 2026.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung announced a 3,500 rupiah bus route from Blok M to Soekarno-Hatta Airport launching soon.
Indonesia is seeking to move a migrant worker help desk to international arrivals at Semarang’s Ahmad Yani Airport to improve services for returning migrant workers.
Following a series of human trafficking and prostitution cases linked to Southeast Asia, the Metropolitan police have moved to strengthen cooperation with local authorities in the region.
Indonesia’s domestic travel surged in 2025, with BPS recording over 1.2 billion trips, driven by holiday travel and a broader tourism recovery.
In Japan, attention is increasingly turning to Malaysia as a destination for overseas relocation.
Indonesia has revoked a recruitment agency’s license and mandated the repayment of over Rp1.7 billion to stranded migrant workers.
Five Indonesian trainees rescued an elderly woman from a canal in Kumamoto, Japan.
A Japanese farm owner says foreign workers are crucial to keeping agriculture alive as rural Japan faces labour shortages from an ageing population.
Indonesia’s migrant worker agency has reaffirmed that overseas job placements will be limited to safe countries with clear labour protections and official agreements.
Vietnam has eased rules for foreign investors to buy local shares through overseas brokers, a move expected to boost capital inflows ahead of its upgrade to emerging market status.
Thailand’s Supreme Administrative Court has ruled that foreign pilots can no longer operate domestic flights under wet-lease arrangements, ending a temporary exemption introduced in 2024.
The Human Resources Ministry is developing a system that will allow Malaysian employers to hire foreign workers directly, cutting out middlemen to reduce exploitation and high recruitment costs.
Singapore will require Malaysian taxis operating in the country to install the new ERP 2 on-board unit ahead of its full rollout in 2027.
The Oceans and Fisheries Ministry outlines new wage and insurance rules under revised employment law.
Universitas Indonesia has launched a dedicated Migrant Centre to provide protection, guidance and policy support for Indonesian migrant workers.
Immigration groups filed a federal lawsuit challenging the U.S. State Department’s suspension of immigrant visa processing for nationals from 75 countries.
Greece's parliament nears approval of a bill ramping up legal recruitment from a handful of Asian countries to fill labor shortages in tourism, agriculture and construction.
Malaysia dismantled the “Sojul Gang” migrant-smuggling syndicate, which allegedly earned RM1.2 million trafficking migrants into the country.
Chaudhry Salik Hussain highlights soft skills and job readiness during visit to Dubai consulate.
TOPIK scores to replace foreign language exam component from this year as interest in Korean continues to grow.
Malaysia's national carmaker Proton aims to sell 200,000 units in 2026, banking on a four-pronged technology roadmap and trade-in incentives.
Workers arriving from West Bengal to undergo daily temperature checks and 14-day self-monitoring, says MOM.
Malaysia Airlines and Singapore Airlines formalise partnership to share revenue, align flights, and integrate loyalty programmes on key Malaysia–Singapore routes.
Maybank to retire its MAE app and launch a new digital banking platform as part of a RM10 billion tech upgrade.
The UK officially launched the Climate Finance Accelerator (CFA) Indonesia on February 2, 2026, opening a call for proposals for low-carbon businesses seeking a minimum investment of US$3 million.
Authorities have found that illegal migrants are being taught Malay before arrival as part of more organised smuggling tactics along Kelantan’s coast.
Bali and the United Kingdom are strengthening cooperation on waste management and traffic planning as foreign tourist arrivals hit a record high.
Thailand’s new law allows children of migrant workers to attend school legally, even without official documents.
Prabowo warned Bali over waste management failures, saying the central government may step in as pressure grows to fix the island’s garbage problem.
Malaysia Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has instructed authorities to take firm action against foreigners who misuse social visit passes to work in Malaysia.
CLAB says most recruits are bound for the construction sector as the government resumes intake from Bangladesh.
CIDB roadmap targets full certification under SKKP to raise standards and curb reliance on overseas labour
KBank partnered with Kasikornbank and two tech firms to build blockchain-based remittance services, cutting transfer costs between South Korea and Thailand.
Indonesia’s tourism rebounded in 2025 with 15.39 million foreign arrivals (up 10.8% but still below 2019’s 16.1 million), a record 1.2 billion domestic trips that surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
Labour shortages drive 11.7% rise in overseas workforce ahead of key election debate on migration policy.
The rupiah hovered around Rp16,776 per dollar under renewed pressure from a stronger U.S. dollar, with markets unsettled by Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh as Fed chair.
PNB said a stronger ringgit is making overseas study cheaper for Malaysians as the currency reached its strongest performance in over 7 years.
China's factories scraped by with tiny growth in January as metal prices spiked, squeezing margins amid weak demand.
A 24-year-old Indonesian fisherman died after falling from a South Korean vessel in September 2025, one of 55 documented deaths of Indonesian crew on East Asian fishing boats.
A Japanese man was arrested for allegedly recruiting callers for a Malaysia-based phone scam, underscoring the growing reach of Southeast Asia–based fraud.
13 injured in January collision as activists urge Singapore to adopt safer and more humane transport alternatives.
An illegal labor brokerage scheme exploiting Japan’s Specified Skilled Worker system has come to light.
The 24th hearing in a state compensation lawsuit over the death of a Sri Lankan woman at the Nagoya Immigration Bureau in 2021 was held on Tuesday.
Japan’s labor force hit a record 70 million in 2025, driven by increased participation from elderly people, women, and foreign workers amid a declining working-age population.
A corporate survey found strong interest in hiring international talent in Japan, but actual recruitment remains limited and small-scale.
The Indonesian Embassy in Tokyo and BPJS Ketenagakerjaan held a dialogue to strengthen social security protection for Indonesian migrant workers in Japan.
Laos and Vietnam signed two cooperation agreements for 2026 - 2030 to strengthen long-standing political ties, expand local cooperation and push forward key connectivity projects.
ASEAN has reaffirmed the Five-Point Consensus as its main framework on Myanmar, stressing an end to violence, continued humanitarian aid and the role of a special envoy.
Russia plans to receive tens of thousands of Indian workers next year under a labour mobility deal signed by New Delhi and Moscow.
New arrivals from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam expected to ease rural labour shortages ahead of peak season.
The Labour ministry says construction and agriculture lead hiring as China remains the top source country.
Unprecedented travel interest prompts system overhaul and expansion of processing facilities ahead of peak spring season.
Tourism leaders from Asean and Northeast Asia agreed to strengthen cooperation as visitor numbers from China, Japan and South Korea continue to drive regional recovery.
Growing industry demand for skilled workers is turning TVET into a first-choice career path, with graduates quickly securing jobs in critical sectors.
Indonesia and Malaysia have formed a joint task force to accelerate the placement of Indonesian migrant workers and strengthen their protection, particularly in Sarawak.
China says it will improve policies and services to attract foreign investors and expand market access, including in the services sector.
Japan’s snap election, set for February 8, is shaping up as a referendum on Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s leadership, with foreign resident policy, diplomacy, and economic issues taking center stage.
Cambodia’s government is helping former migrant workers rebuild their lives at home by offering skills training, job matching and employment support.
Agreement combines financial services and health screening to improve welfare and access for migrants in Korea.
Bilateral talks in Siem Reap focus on labour cooperation and migrant welfare across the migration cycle.
Beijing cites security concerns amid diplomatic tensions, as Chinese tourist arrivals to Japan fall sharply.
Record-high approval driven largely by global influence of K-content, culture ministry says.
Ahead of the House of Representatives election in Japan, remarks aimed at excluding foreign nationals have been increasingly made during campaign activities, prompting concerns from civil society groups and experts.
Trump threatened to raise tariffs on South Korean goods from 15 to 25 percent after Seoul's legislature failed to approve a $350 billion investment deal agreed to in 2025.
Bangladesh’s overseas workers sent home US$2.71 billion in the first 26 days of January 2026, pushing fiscal-year remittances up nearly 22% YoY.
Hanoi has approved a US$156 billion plan to build five massive urban zones by 2035, marking the city’s largest expansion in decades.
Boeing returned to profitability in 2025 with $2.2 billion net income, driven by a $9.6 billion gain from selling its Digital Aviation Solutions business that masked continued operational losses.
India and the EU concluded negotiations on a free trade agreement, eliminating tariffs on most goods and potentially creating millions of jobs.
The group includes Chinese, Nepali, Indian and Nigerian nationals involved in online scams and gambling activities.
Talks focus on creating a transparent labour migration pathway and legal job opportunities for Kazakh workers.
Labour ministry labels deliberate wage theft a “grave social crime” as arrests and investigations rise sharply.
The government unveiled measures to tighten oversight of public assistance for foreign residents, including plans to allow local governments to verify recipients’ residence status online.
The newly elected governor of Fukui Prefecture has sparked controversy over remarks made during the election campaign, drawing mixed reactions on social media.
46 first-time deployees receive guidance on work, culture, and welfare ahead of overseas internship,
Agriculture ministry says Sura School could open in the second half of the year as Seoul seeks to nurture global K-food specialists.
The Gig Workers Act will come into force by the end of March, providing payment guarantees, social security coverage, and protections for gig workers.
Tokyo court orders North Korea to pay ¥88 million to four victims of its deceptive 1959-1984 repatriation program for forced labor and abuses.
A sharp rise in two-way tourism between China and South Korea is strengthening economic ties and opening doors for broader cooperation.
Indonesia and Japan’s Kagawa Prefecture have signed a labour agreement to place 2,000 Indonesian workers in various sectors after Japanese language and skills training.
The Immigration Services Agency of Japan has decided to review its rules on the forced deportation of foreign nationals.
KLIA Terminal 1 has launched a green lane system for international passengers without luggage to speed up arrivals and reduce congestion.
Japan will subsidize local government outreach programmes to support foreign residents.
Indonesia and China have signed a vocational education partnership to train 10,000 workers and improve global competitiveness through exchanges and industry-linked programs.
Indonesia says citizens returned from Cambodia were illegal workers and will be screened, not automatically treated as victims.
Malaysia will double the minimum salary requirements for foreign professionals under the Employment Pass programme starting June 1, 2026.
Indonesia and Malaysia repositioned boundary markers on Sebatik Island, Borneo, with parts of three Indonesian villages affected.
The Indonesian Embassy in Phnom Penh has registered 1,726 citizens rescued from online scam centers in Cambodia and confirmed that they are safe.
Filipino workers in the UAE will soon be able to verify their employment contracts at dedicated centres through a new VFS Global partnership.
Visitors from Malaysia to Japan surged in December last year, marking a record high for the month.
An elderly Japanese man was taken into protective care in Malaysia after being found homeless.
An organized prostitution ring involving foreign nationals has come to light in Japan.
Selected participants will advise on migrant-related policies and serve as a bridge between the provincial government and immigrant communities.
Province plans higher skilled worker quotas, new regional visa schemes and stronger living support to attract and retain global talent.
Remittances to Ho Chi Minh City hit a record US$10.34 billion in 2025, with Africa posting the fastest growth despite remaining a small overall source.
Narita Airport has eased rules to allow foreign ground staff to drive in designated areas while awaiting Japanese license conversion, addressing a labour shortage.
Indonesia and South Korea discussed improving the safety and rights of Indonesian migrant workers during a high-level parliamentary meeting.
Phuket officials are reviewing hotel waste management practices to promote cleaner and more sustainable tourism on the island.
Revised employment law allows international graduates to work without permits and shortens permanent residency pathways.
Weekly classes aim to ease communication barriers and improve workplace safety in rural and fishing communities.
At Davos, President Prabowo promoted Indonesia as a rising trade hub, highlighting recent agreements with Canada, the EU, Peru, and the EAEU.
A new direct flight between Chengdu and Sihanoukville is expected to increase tourist arrivals from China and support Cambodia’s tourism recovery.
South Korea has reaffirmed strong ties with Cambodia and announced USD500,000 in humanitarian aid to support families affected by recent border tensions.
Japan's LDP has signalled plans to review the management of Japan’s remote islands as part of its foreign resident policy, considering expanding existing measures on national security grounds and including them in future policy proposals and pledges.
Vietnam’s passport has improved its global ranking, offering holders visa-free or simplified access to 49 countries, its strongest performance since 2020.
The Saitama Governor visited Japan’s Foreign Ministry and resubmitted a request for the temporary suspension of visa-free short-term stays for Turkish nationals.
As severe labor shortages persist, Japanese local governments are increasingly seeking to secure their workforces by establishing their own routes for accepting foreign workers.
Malaysia has approved over 1,300 foreign manufacturing projects worth RM357 billion, expected to create more than 185,000 jobs.
Malaysia Home Ministry has begun registering Rohingya refugees under a new programme that includes biometric data collection and refugee status assessments.
The sub-decree outlines investment and donation routes to nationality, with priority sectors ranging from agriculture to high-tech industries.
Indonesia’s national police have rolled out specialized women, child protection, and anti-trafficking units across key regions.
Multi-sector pact signed to develop pilot Continuing Care Retirement Community in Laguna for ageing overseas Filipinos.
Enhanced digital services and rewards aim to simplify daily financial tasks for foreigners living in Korea.
Specialist tax team to provide consultations in 10 countries as Seoul seeks to encourage asset repatriation and stabilise the currency.
Jakarta has allowed offices and schools to shift to work-from-home and distance learning from January 23 through late January as extreme rainfall and flooding disrupt daily activities and threaten transport across the capital.
Iran’s ambassador to Indonesia blamed recent deadly protests in Iran on foreign influence, accusing the West of economic pressure to fuel unrest.
Millions of migrants in Iran face hardship amid the country's economic collapse and deadly nationwide protests that have killed over 3,000 people since late 2025.
Indonesian immigration authorities have arrested three foreigners for running a syndicate that smuggled migrants to Australia using fake identity documents.
A study found Filipino caregivers in a short-lived Seoul pilot programme earned about half the national average wage and were asked to do work beyond their contracts.
Following a recent factory raid, the Home Minister warned employers to ensure foreign workers hold valid documents and promised strict action against those using or providing fake papers.
Thailand plans faster legal reforms, stronger SME support and skills upgrades to improve industrial competitiveness.
Indonesian foreign policy experts label Trump's Venezuela intervention as "new imperialism," urging Jakarta to reduce US dependence.
Japan’s top convenience store chains warn stricter foreign-worker regulations could worsen labour shortages, as they rely on over 110,000 foreign employees.
Malaysia could serve as a hub for specialised medical care in the ASEAN region, helping keep healthcare prices under control, say experts.
The number of Japan’s inbound visitors in 2025 hit a record high, surpassing 40 million for the first time, while spending by foreign tourists also reached an all-time high.
Indonesia and Portugal are working to improve placement and protection for Indonesian migrant workers, focusing on professional and skilled sectors and better regulation of recruitment agencies.
Iran’s ambassador blamed sanctions and alleged foreign provocation for deadly protests sparked by economic collapse, defended the crackdown, and brushed off Trump’s tariff threats as ineffective.
Malaysia, Laos, and Thailand signed an electricity transmission agreement under the ASEAN Power Grid project, enabling cross-border power trade and boosting regional energy security.
The move aims to protect foreign passengers as complaints rise in popular tourist districts.
Indonesia’s manpower minister says collective labour agreements (CLAs) can reduce conflict and help companies and workers improve productivity and welfare together.
Visitor arrivals rose 11pc year-on-year as post-pandemic recovery gained momentum.
Indonesia is rolling out public works and job programmes to help communities in Sumatra recover after deadly floods that happened in November 2025.
Indonesia has opened ATTEC’s Jakarta headquarters as a business forum to link local companies with Asian partners and investors.
More than 400 Indonesians linked to online scam networks have been released in Cambodia this month following a renewed government crackdown on cybercrime syndicates.
A former manager of a private massage parlor in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward was arrested for allegedly forcing a Thai girl to provide sexual services.
The Japanese government will soon approve a policy to tighten residency screening and citizenship requirements for foreign nationals.
A Vietnamese technical intern accused of abandoning her stillborn baby has asked the Supreme Court to acquit her.
Funding to support migrants as deportations from neighbouring countries intensify.
Government grants aim to raise liveability standards for about 900 existing dorms housing 200,000 workers.
Uzbekistan will give USD100 to local tourism operators for each Malaysian and Indonesian tourist under a new program aimed at promoting transit visits to the country before pilgrims continue to Saudi Arabia for Umrah.
US president Donald Trump halts immigrant visas for 75 countries including Thailand and Cambodia, citing public benefits concerns.
Indonesia is considering sweeping new rules that would cut platform commissions and expand insurance and social protections for ride-hailing drivers, raising concerns over higher costs for companies.
Riau Island Regional Province forms an anti-human trafficking unit as cases in the region and nationwide surge.
Afghanistan says over 2.8 million refugees returned from neighbouring countries in 2025, putting pressure on reintegration efforts despite ongoing government support.
The government rolls out a multi-stage response to support returning migrant workers and families.
Thailand has instructed authorities to tighten inspections of migrant workers and workplaces to prevent illegal employment and enforce penalties for violations.
Authorities say no rule restricts foreign nationals to two visa-free entries per year.
Bali became the first Southeast Asian destination to win TripAdvisor's global rankings with six other Southeast Asian destinations placed across multiple categories.
Maids hired under government projects earned less than half of local average wages and faced extra duties.
President Prabowo Subianto ordered Indonesia's state scholarship program to allocate 80 percent of its LPDP scholarship quota to STEM students.
Strong bilateral ties and growing demand for Malaysian goods have pushed Cambodia–Malaysia trade to record levels, with momentum expected to continue into 2026.
A new labour agreement between India and Russia has opened work opportunities but also raised fears over the protection and safety of Indian migrant workers abroad.
Indonesia saw a 10.44% increase in international tourist arrivals in 2025, with domestic travel also exceeding government targets.
Laos aims to grow its economy by at least six percent in 2026 through fiscal reforms, major infrastructure projects and energy investment.
As the number of foreign workers increases, most major Japanese companies support stricter regulations, and the government is set to tighten residency screening.
A survey indicates that access to housing, language support, and employment remains the primary challenge for foreign residents in Japan.
Study flags policy gap as overstays and illegal work rise amid aggressive recruitment drive.
Indonesia exceeded its 2025 investment target, generating USD114.4 billion and 2.71 million jobs, with strong growth across domestic, foreign, and regional investments.
Malaysia continues to attract investors in the region due to its stability, strong infrastructure, and supportive policies, though a shortage of skilled talent remains a challenge.
Expanded quotas and sector coverage aim to ease labour shortages across manufacturing, agriculture and services.
Malaysian Immigration rescued two Indonesian women believed to be trafficking victims after raids uncovered an illegal domestic worker syndicate operating in Selangor.
The Indonesian government aims to attract 16 to 17.6 million foreign visitors next year, boosting tourism revenue and its contribution to GDP.
The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) warns that ASEAN countries risk widening workforce skills gaps unless they urgently transform Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to meet future industry demands.
Bangladesh completed its first-ever overseas postal ballot distribution, sending ballots to 767,028 expatriate voters across 121 countries for the February 12 elections
New rules set to favour local talent, limit reliance on foreign workers.
The Singapore government says it is close to finalising a new retirement investment option for CPF members, aimed at balancing risk and long-term returns.
PT Unilever Indonesia signed a USD 120,000 letter of intent to export Bango sweet soy sauce to the Netherlands through distributor InterAromat BV.
Dozens of municipalities have already crossed the threshold as labour shortages accelerate demographic change.
Myanmar has dismissed a genocide case brought to the International Court of Justice as legally and factually weak as hearings continue in The Hague.
Lower quotas under the employment permit system reflect weakening demand in manufacturing and construction.
Thirteen Japanese nationals suspected of involvement in phone scam operations were arrested after being transferred from Cambodia to Japan, highlighting Japan’s growing entanglement in transnational fraud networks operating across Southeast Asia.
A film based on reporting on Japan’s immigration detention and provisional release system will be released, inspired by a death at an immigration facility in 2021.
Tokyo’s Shinjuku Ward marked Coming-of-Age Day with a ceremony in which foreign nationals made up roughly half of those eligible.
Osaka police arrested a Japanese administrative scrivener over alleged false applications to obtain residence status for Vietnamese nationals.
Indonesia’s Minister for the Protection of Migrant Workers (KP2MI) Mukhtarudin has called for reforms to ensure overseas workers are trained, competent, and prepared for international employment.
Seoul and Tokyo are set to discuss expanding trade, South Korea’s bid to join the CPTPP, and humanitarian approaches to historical issues during a summit in Nara.
Trump ordered a 25% tariff on countries trading with Iran, tightening economic pressure as protests intensify and Tehran’s currency sinks.
Bank Indonesia's retail survey estimated Indonesia's December 2025 retail sales grew 4.4 percent year-on-year driven by Christmas and New Year shopping.
Indonesia called on ASEAN to return to founding principles of peaceful dialogue, warning that the bloc's core values have weakened amid the Thailand-Cambodia border crisis.
The Health Ministry says the move would ease nurse workloads and support acute inpatients under integrated care scheme.
Lionsgate sold its Lionsgate Play streaming service in South Asia and Southeast Asia to founder Rohit Jain for an undisclosed sum.
Indonesia's Deputy Trade Minister met Pakistani importers and business leaders in Karachi to strengthen palm oil supply chains through Port Qasim.
Indonesia's Manpower Minister Yassierli ordered the National Professional Certification Board to make vocational certification cheaper for disabled workers.
Mongolia aims to boost tourism arrivals and earnings next year by investing in infrastructure and promoting eco-tourism, particularly in the Khuvsgul region.
Indonesia’s Migrant Worker Minister, Mukhtarudin has urged Sukabumi to introduce local laws and training measures to better protect overseas workers and reduce unemployment.
Partnership aims to improve banking inclusion through digital solutions for migrants with limited credit histories.
The Labour department strengthens shelter, legal and reintegration support for overseas Filipino workers across the island.
Labour ministry data for 2025 highlights wage gains for workers and caregivers, alongside longer hours in some sectors.
Regulatory overhaul removes qualified investor requirements as Riyadh steps up efforts to attract global capital.
The move was announced during Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s first visit to India, aimed at easing travel and deepening bilateral ties.
Indonesia and Pakistan are exploring ways to strengthen economic ties, empower women, tackle climate challenges, and boost social welfare through an upgraded trade agreement.
The Indonesian Ministry of Migrant Workers (P2MI) urges legal and safe migration following the repatriation of a worker who died in a workplace accident in Malaysia.
A Japanese government survey shows most G7 nations restrict foreign property ownership on security grounds, prompting the Takaichi Sanae administration to review Japan’s land acquisition rules this month.
Amid shifting external conditions and constraints on Japan’s tourism capacity, inbound visitor growth in 2026 is expected to slow.
A Taiwanese broker and his Indonesian wife ran a $161 million underground remittance network for 12 years, earning $8.2 million before prosecutors shut them down.
Indonesia has cut monthly work insurance premiums by 50% for more than 730,000 motorcycle taxi drivers and couriers as part of a 2026 economic stimulus program.
The ICJ will hear a historic genocide case against Myanmar over atrocities against the Rohingya, a trial that could influence international law on genocide and justice for victims.
The killing of Renee Nicole Good by an ICE agent set off nationwide protests and deepened tensions over federal immigration enforcement.
Vietnam is seeing a sharp rise in year-end family travel interest across Asia, led by growing demand from South Korea, India and Malaysia.
The IOM is warning South Korea against "fear-driven" policies on migrants like a proposed bill to publish nationality-based crime stats.
BP3MI Kepulauan Riau steps up preparation as Indonesia raises overseas placement goal to 500,000 in 2026.
The government eyes forestry, manufacturing, mining and oil and gas sectors amid talks with envoys to the Caribbean region.
Economic opportunities abroad and family considerations cited as main reasons, with Singapore accounting for nearly 94% of cases.
Laos targets 22 million foreign visitors by 2030, with USD8 billion in expected revenue, as the government seeks to grow tourism through infrastructure upgrades and regional cooperation.
Australia moved India, Nepal, Bangladesh and Bhutan to its highest student visa risk category, affecting international students who now face stricter financial documentation.
Malaysia’s unemployment rate dropped to its lowest level in 11 years in November 2025, with strong job growth and rising employment, although many Malaysians have historically moved abroad for work.
East Nusa Tenggara lost 127 migrant workers overseas in 2025, with 120 of them having left through illegal channels.
Technical disruption affecting foreign passport holders at Johor checkpoint remains unresolved, says border agency.
Heavy rain flooded six Jakarta neighborhoods and blocked four major roads on Monday morning, January 12, as commuters found arterial routes underwater.
A restaurant near Namba Station defends higher English-menu prices amid accusations of discrimination and overtourism tensions.
Malaysia will roll out redesigned passports and upgraded MyKad with stronger security features in the second quarter of this year, says the Home Minister.
Indonesia just scored the presidency of the UN Human Rights Council for the first time in the body's 20-year history.
A South Korean lawmaker's push to publish crime stats by nationality is getting slammed as xenophobic by migrant rights groups.
Indonesia's labor minister admitted government training centers only reach 70,000 people yearly, about one percent of the country's 7 million unemployed.
Germany recorded just 106,000 asylum applications in 2025, a 51% drop from 2024, with Afghans overtaking Syrians as the largest group seeking protection.
Indonesia’s December 2025 online shopping festival Harbolnas 2025 generated Rp36.4 trillion in transactions, beating government targets.
Jeonbuk city rolls out 44 policy initiatives to support settlement, care and community integration amid population decline.
Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s official visit to Turkiye strengthened economic ties, creating new opportunities for trade, investment, and collaboration in emerging sectors.
New investment approvals in Yangon, Myanmar are expected to boost manufacturing, tourism and services while creating hundreds of local jobs.
The Philippines has begun its role as ASEAN chair by engaging Myanmar’s leaders on dialogue, elections and humanitarian cooperation.
National Tax Service highlights housing deductions, tax reductions and treaty exemptions available through February.
Indonesia plans to prioritise overseas job placements and training for disaster-affected communities in Sumatra as part of efforts to support recovery and livelihoods.
Laos aims to train hundreds of thousands of workers and create more jobs at home and abroad to tackle low wages, skills gaps and labour migration.
Merchantrade sees higher transaction volumes but lower total sums sent abroad as foreign workers retain more income in Malaysia.
The US expanded its visa bond program to 38 countries, requiring travelers from several Asia-Pacific, African, and Latin American nations.
Jakarta's worker welfare package was lauded by the labor ministry, even as its economic growth lags far behind smaller provinces.
Initiative launched with nonprofit partner to improve financial access and combat scams among foreign workers in Taiwan.
The United States has exited the Global Forum on Migration and Development as the Trump administration scales back US international presence in many UN-linked bodies.
Malaysia is focusing on better jobs, skills training and a stronger work ecosystem to encourage skilled Malaysians abroad to return home.
New measures include housing savings deductions and long-term income tax relief under year-end tax settlement rules.
Construction, slaughtering and offshore fishing employers can now recruit Indonesian workers without private brokers.
Japan’s government panel has set intake limits for a new Training and Employment System, signaling a major expansion of the country’s foreign workforce under revised labor programs.
Shiseido, Japan's cosmetics company, took applications for voluntary retirement last year. The number of applicants surpassed the company’s initial estimate of about 200.
China has delivered a second batch of humanitarian aid worth USD 400,000 to help displaced civilians affected by the Cambodia-Thailand border conflict.
The Japanese government is considering higher admission fees for international visitors at national museums and art galleries to help cover rising costs and expand multilingual services.
Japan is considering tighter rules for foreign residents to prevent illegal stays and help integrate them into society.
Migrant worker recognised for bravery after saving elderly villagers during one of South Korea’s deadliest forest fires.
Singapore-based DayOne Data Centers raised $2 billion with Indonesia's sovereign wealth fund joining as investors to expand hyperscale facilities across Asia and Europe.
The mayors of Suzuka and Kuwana said on January 6 that they will maintain their current hiring policies for foreign national staff, even as Mie Prefecture considers possible revisions.
Jakarta held a virtual business forum connecting 13 spice exporters with Pakistani buyers as both countries try to grow their spice trade.
Visa eligibility widened to 15 sectors as the aging population and low fertility strain the domestic workforce.
Singapore has extended a grant programme until 2027 to encourage employers to offer part-time and flexible work to older workers.
New wage rules and tighter enforcement form part of broader efforts to strengthen labour rights in the fishing sector.
Dermatology and cosmetic surgery drive growth in international healthcare expansion.
New law opens residential and investment real estate to non-Saudis under defined conditions.
The PHP6.793 trillion (USD123.5 billion) 2026 budget prioritizes education, healthcare, and rural connectivity while influencing the movement of people within the Philippines and preparing workers for overseas employment.
Bali, Indonesia is drafting a new regulation that may require foreign visitors to show sufficient financial capacity as part of efforts to promote quality tourism.
Vietnam’s economy grew strongly in 2025 despite US tariffs, supported by trade resilience, foreign investment, and cross-border workforce movement.
For the first time since 1978, the Japanese government plans to raise visa issuance fees for foreign nationals fivefold from fiscal 2026.
Enra Group Bhd has entered joint ventures to develop 144 medium-cost terrace homes in Kulai, Johor, creating construction jobs and leveraging its landbank for future growth.
Indonesia and the ILO are drafting a roadmap to help returning migrant workers find jobs or start businesses at home.
Nepal is seeing a growing imbalance between male and female births, with experts warning that unchecked sex-selective abortions could cause long-term social and demographic problems.
The assistant manager diverted more than S$92,000 into a personal account by disguising digital payment details as company credentials.
Economists warn that short-term income tax relief for lower-paid workers risks undermining long-term welfare and widening inequality once the incentive ends.
Donald Trump's new 1% federal tax on cash remittances from the US took effect January 1, costing families up to $476 million annually and pushing some toward risky informal channels.
Sunway Bhd has bought three land parcels worth RM179.8 million to support future developments expected to create construction and related jobs.
Salesforce appoints Paul Carvouni, an ex-Microsoft with proven APAC track record, to lead its ASEAN operations.
New system links entry permits to verified qualifications for regulated professions.
A 61-year-old Indonesian migrant worker from East Lombok died four hours after being deported from Malaysia, suspected of having a heart attack.
Foreign language babysitting services are growing in Japan as more tourist families seek flexible travel experiences without young children.
South Korea sees rising share of elderly, growing migrant population and evolving working-age dynamics
Australia has ended its anti dumping probe, clearing the way for some rebar exporters like Indonesia to resume shipments
The Cambodian government has strongly denounced Thai military activities along the border, calling them violations of international law and Cambodian sovereignty.
Thailand’s tourism sector is set for its first annual fall in visitor numbers in 10 years outside the pandemic, hit by safety concerns, regional tensions, and a strong baht.
South Korea rolls out new policies in 2026 covering wages, road safety, child care, artificial intelligence, and foreign labour.
More than one million worshippers and tourists are expected as authorities roll out transport and safety measures for the festival.
Saudi security forces arrested 18,805 people in one week for immigration violations, with Ethiopians and Yemenis making up nearly all of those caught.
Malaysia, Singapore and regional neighbours condemn foreign intervention, stress international law and citizen safety following pre-dawn US operation.
Employers will be allowed to apply for foreign worker quotas through a special application window early next year.
About 35 Filipinos who were victims of trafficking in Cambodia have returned home with government assistance.
The Philippines Bureau of Immigration plans to install 47 new electronic gates nationwide to speed up processing and strengthen border security.
Investment appetite remains firm across the region, with Japan, Singapore and Australia drawing the strongest interest as Thailand stays active but faces a slower tourism recovery.
CAAT says adjustment is needed to shore up finances, maintain safety oversight and meet rising regulatory costs without burdening travellers with wider charges.
Keidanren calls for stronger political leadership and coordinated policymaking as foreign workers become integral to Japan’s future.
Survey finds low pay and lack of qualified workers straining services for people with disabilities.
Thailand’s Transport Ministry has prepared 11 major infrastructure projects for 2026 that are expected to boost the economy once political uncertainty eases and a new Cabinet is formed.
AI-led projects drive over 21,800 high-value jobs as Klang Valley cements its role as digital growth engine.
A RM900 million investment by a China-based superalloy firm in Johor is set to generate high-skilled jobs and strengthen the state’s high-technology industry.
Passenger numbers at Bali’s main airport rose during the Christmas and New Year holiday period, showing strong travel demand.
New Lao Airlines service signals western Guangdong’s return to direct overseas connectivity and boosts ASEAN links.
Japan plans to admit up to 1.23 million foreign workers by fiscal 2028 under a revamped labour migration system to tackle labour shortages.
South Korea saw a sharp rise in foreign tourist arrivals in November, bringing the country closer to a new record high for annual visitor numbers.
The move reflects the government push to expand revenue from the growing digital economy.
The government’s Nutrition Fulfilment Service Unit programme seeks to fight extreme poverty by generating new jobs nationwide.
Indonesia is pushing large-scale retail and online discount programmes to lift consumer spending to Rp110 trillion by the end of 2025 and support economic growth.
Expansion to initially prioritise permanent residents and minors as HIV cases hit lowest level since 2003.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to officiate January 3 event at Pavilion KL, with Michelle Yeoh expected to attend in support of national tourism drive.
Taiwan will open its first overseas recruitment center in the Philippines in early 2026 to help employers hire foreign workers directly, reduce brokerage costs, and address local labor shortages.
More than 620,000 Malaysians have secured jobs through MYFutureJobs since 2023, reflecting strong labour market policies and economic resilience.
Penang remains a top holiday destination as hotels report strong occupancy rates and tourist attractions see higher visitor numbers during the school holidays and Christmas season.
Department expresses solidarity after 6.6-magnitude tremor strikes off eastern Taiwan.
The government launches one-stop centres to aid small businesses recover after floods in Aceh, North Sumatra, and West Sumatra.
Prasarana ensures smoother passenger movement with longer operating hours across key rail, BRT, and bus routes.
Thailand has accused Cambodia of violating a newly agreed ceasefire by flying hundreds of drones across the border, raising doubts over the durability of the truce despite ongoing diplomatic talks mediated by China.
South Korea launches a joint initiative to address wage arrears among protected foreign nationals.
RHB Bank plans to introduce at least two or three additional currencies by the second quarter of next year amid changing travel patterns. l
Displaced residents on both sides of the border remain cautious as China steps in with humanitarian aid and mediation efforts.
Indonesia is preparing a new film financing approach that recognises intellectual property as collateral, as part of efforts to strengthen the creative economy and attract more local and foreign investors.
Indonesian ministries have signed an agreement to better prepare graduates and vocational workers for overseas jobs by aligning skills, language ability and qualifications with global demand.
Officials cite data leaks and national security risks amid China’s intelligence law; public survey planned before final decision.
Proposed JESTA electronic travel authorisation could cost foreigners up to ¥3,000.
Vietnam’s population is expected to reach its highest point around 2059, with ageing, gender imbalances, and migration shifts posing challenges for the country’s labour supply, healthcare, and social systems.
Clarification follows online reports suggesting 2026 deadline, easing fears among Cambodian migrant communities.
Thailand’s tourism has been hit by border clashes, floods, a strong baht, and global economic pressures, but officials and operators remain optimistic for recovery in 2026 with new markets and events expected to boost arrivals.
Japan's ruling party reportedly wants to add Japanese language tests and community programs as requirements for permanent residency.
Hanoi reported that Vietnam’s internal migration fell from 6.4 million people during 2014-2019 to 3.8 million during 2019-2024.
The Ministry of Labor imposes the highest penalty ever for charging migrant workers job-placement fees.
IMF pressures to scale back Pakistan’s remittance incentives, but it could push money back into informal hawala networks.
Employers have been reminded that Friday is the final day to renew permits to hire migrant workers from three neighbouring countries.
Experts say syndicates still control the Bangladesh–Malaysia migration corridor, causing exploitation and high costs for workers despite policy reforms and UN warnings.
Bangladesh and Japan have agreed on a draft Economic Partnership Agreement that will provide duty-free access for major exports and open up investment and service opportunities between the two countries.
Vietnam has approved a long-term plan to strengthen foreign language education, including a trial introduction of Chinese, Japanese and Korean in preschools to better prepare future workers.
New cap through fiscal 2028 merges existing skilled worker scheme with a new training-based residence status to address labour shortages.
Amendments to existing labour laws, particularly the EPF Act, seen as a more effective approach.
Police say two women were rescued from a house in Shah Alam after reporting abuse, unpaid wages and excessive working hours.
Indonesia and the Eurasian Economic Union signed a free trade agreement on December 21 in St. Petersburg.
The World Bank released a report on December 22 showing Cyclone Ditwah caused 4.1 billion dollars in direct physical damage to Sri Lanka, equal to 4 percent of the country's GDP.
The government cites easing post-pandemic labour demand as shipbuilding quota is folded into manufacturing.
A private company in eastern China is offering renovated flats to employees who stay for five years as part of an effort to retain skilled workers and managers.
Indonesia’s immigration will monitor foreign nationals over the year-end holidays and limit passport services to emergency cases.
The Employees Provident Fund (EPF) says migrant domestic workers are not included under mandatory contributions in the amended EPF Bill, prompting concern from rights groups over gaps in social protection.
Indonesia has sent 1,035 migrant workers to destinations including Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan as part of efforts to expand professional overseas employment.
Survey shows strong confidence among companies here, but labour shortages and weak global demand remain key risks.
The new decree allows unrestricted foreign hiring and grants local authorities wider permit powers.
Government data shows strong growth in migrant deployment, remittances and protection measures ahead of year-end.
ICA says airlines will help stop ineligible foreigners from flying to the Republic as refusals surge.
Indonesia sent nearly Rp 1 trillion worth of goods overseas in a single shipment this week, involving exporters from eight regions including village cooperatives.
An ASEAN foreign ministers meeting on December 22 ended without a ceasefire agreement between Thailand and Cambodia, though both countries agreed to hold military talks on December 24.
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has signalled willingness to engage China in talks while addressing economic and security challenges amid strained bilateral ties.
Indonesia will assume the chair of the D-8 economic bloc in 2026, overseeing a group of developing countries with a combined GDP of more than $5 trillion.
Southeast Asia’s growth is splitting, with Indonesia and the Philippines staying above 5% while Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand slow sharply.
Employers can enjoy reduction in Socso late payment penalties if they settle outstanding contributions by the end of February next year.
The Philippines government has introduced new referral guidelines to ensure trafficked overseas Filipino workers receive quicker, coordinated, and survivor-focused assistance.
Japan will provide more than USD140,000 to build a shelter and staff housing at a rehabilitation centre in Cambodia to better protect women victims of human trafficking.
China exceeded its 2025 urban job creation target by adding 12.1 million new positions, maintaining low unemployment despite record college graduate numbers and economic pressures.
The move aims to ease employer costs, support workforce stability and align with Saudi Vision 2030 economic diversification plans.
Indian restaurant operators are urging the government to reopen and extend foreign worker approvals to prevent serious staff shortages from hurting the industry.
The Malaysian Bar marked International Migrants Day 2025 by calling on the government to strengthen migrant worker protections, including by ratifying a key international convention on migrant rights.
Indonesia is exploring sending skilled workers to Bosnia and Herzegovina, a small European market looking to issue over 7,400 work permits in 2026.
Indonesia’s new minimum wage formula for 2026 has sparked backlash from both businesses and labor unions, with employers warning of rising costs and unions saying the increase still fails to meet living needs.
Bank Indonesia stopped lowering interest rates to defend its weakening currency as foreign investors pulled billions out.
Indonesia, working with the ILO and UN Women, is encouraging women migrant workers to speak up about abuse and rights through cross-border workshops,
Experts from the International Labour Organization (ILO) say Myanmar migrant workers face growing risks of abuse as legal migration channels are narrowing.
Indonesia is pushing countries to share intelligence in real time to choke off scam money flows.
The new Human Resources Minister says HRD Corp funding and expertise can be used to equip locals for jobs in restaurants, barbershops and goldsmithing under a needs-based Madani approach.
The two shipbuilding hubs will recruit nearly 1,000 foreign welders and painters over two years under the regional-type visa (E-7-3), a scheme that allows local governments to set their own selection criteria.
Japan is increasing the recruitment of Indian healthcare workers to address a severe shortage of caregivers as its population ages.
Japan’s leading business group has called on the government to adopt a clear, inclusive national policy to attract, integrate and protect foreign workers amid labour shortages.
Approval by Sabah Labour Department allows employers to pay salaries electronically via DuitNow, extending cashless payroll adoption in East Malaysia.
Taiwan and the Philippines have agreed to strengthen labour cooperation and migrant worker protections following their latest bilateral labour conference.
Malaysia’s PM Anwar Ibrahim has called for a ceasefire and will host ASEAN foreign ministers on December 22 to try to calm the border clashes.
Health ministers from Japan, China, and South Korea met in Seoul to discuss collaboration on universal healthcare and aging populations.
Japan plans to limit the number of foreign workers under a new training and employment system as it tightens immigration policy while managing labour shortages.
Indonesia's migrant worker ministry wants to reverse the current pattern where 70 percent of the $16 billion in annual remittances gets spent on daily consumption instead of investments.
Researchers urge immigration and settlement policy adjustments to address nationality concentration and support balanced regional development.
Most Europeans wrongly believe illegal migrants outnumber legal ones in their countries, driving support for deportations that mainly target rule-breakers rather than legal migrants.
All overseas purchasers, including home buyers, are required to notify the government under planned April rollout.
Indonesia has signed multiple agreements with key partners to strengthen protection, training and digital safeguards for its migrant workers overseas.
Minister Mukhtarudin urges better money management as most remittances are spent on consumption rather than productive ventures.
The new system from January 2 allows foreigners to submit employment details without visiting immigration offices.
P2MI minister says both countries are not approved placement destinations and authorities remain on alert as conflict displaces hundreds of thousands.
Police tighten patrols, border screening and intelligence operations as authorities urge public vigilance.
Myanmar, China and Thailand held joint inspections and talks in Myawady to strengthen cooperation against telecom fraud and online gambling.
A Melaka opposition leader has questioned the financial, economic and environmental viability of a proposed bridge linking the state to Indonesia.
Experts stress that humane, community-focused early warning systems are key to reducing disaster damage in Southeast Asia.
WorldRemit and Sendwave will use cryptocurrency to speed up money transfers to Asia, though Africa remains their biggest market.
Republicans are forcing banks to verify someone’s immigration status before they can send money overseas.
Indonesia is sending 1,035 migrant workers overseas this week in conjunction with International Migrants Day, highlighting the government’s efforts to protect and support its citizens working abroad.
The Home Ministry is upgrading immigration systems at Johor’s main checkpoints to speed up clearance and reduce queues during peak travel hours.
Following the Cabinet reshuffle, newly appointed Human Resources Minister Datuk Seri Ramanan Ramakrishnan says his focus will be on strengthening workforce development in line with the Malaysia MADANI vision.
VinFast says its Indonesia investment could reach $1 billion as it ramps up production at a new factory while remaining a small player in a crowded car market.
The Indonesian government estimates that more than USD3 billion is needed to rebuild infrastructure and homes damaged by floods and landslides in Sumatra.
Jakarta teams up to shut down fake vacancies as hundreds of cases emerge this year.
South Korea has introduced new policies to support foreign students and children from multicultural families, including digital TOPIK exams, expanded Korean-language programs, and faster paths to permanent residency.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a Cabinet reshuffle introducing new ministers for the Economy, Human Resources, Plantation and Commodities, and Natural Resources, aimed at boosting growth, protecting workers, and strengthening key sectors.
President Prabowo said flood-hit parts of Sumatra were under control and could return to normal within months, even as more than 1,000 people have died and civil groups urge a national emergency.
Hong Kong authorities have launched a one-year program providing mental health support and legal assistance to families affected by the deadly Wang Fuk Court fire.
About 1,500 Cambodians in Japan staged nationwide protests calling on the international community to pressure Thailand to stop military attacks on Cambodia.
The World Bank has approved a 150 million dollar financing package to support revenue reforms and disaster preparedness in Papua New Guinea.
Thousands of migrant workers in Qatar are left unpaid due to delayed contractor payments, Human Rights Watch says.
Experts say clearer, faster multilingual evacuation information is needed as inbound tourism hits record highs.
Myanmar's military bombed a hospital in Rakhine State on December 10, killing at least 31 civilians and injuring 76 more.
Manpower Minister Dr Tan See Leng says healthcare access, social support and housing standards for migrant workers will be strengthened through reforms rolling out by 2027.
The Indian government told Parliament on December 11 that it has rescued more than 6,700 citizens trapped in scam compounds across Southeast Asia.
Malaysian civil servants under the SSPA will receive the second phase of salary adjustments in January 2026, following last year’s initial increase.
A Syrian-origin fruit shop owner wrestled a rifle away from a gunman during a terror attack at Bondi Beach in Australia that killed at least 15 civilians.
JIM has dismantled a document forgery syndicate that helped unfit foreign workers bypass mandatory FOMEMA health checks using falsified passports.
Thailand’s Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul dissolves parliament amid political challenges and border clashes with Cambodia.
Indonesia’s national internship programme will provide BPJS protection and minimum-wage allowances to all participating interns.
Elderly, mothers with children and those held over six months sent home with official assistance.
Jakarta is partnering with a local group in Myanmar to support Indonesians who were lured by fake tech jobs and trapped in regional online scam compounds.
Companies can apply for Employment Pass and Professional Visit Pass projections from 15 December.
BRAC Bank hit $2 billion in remittances this year, rising from 17th to 4th place nationally in five years.
APJATI and the Serang City Government are working together to stop illegal recruiters and protect migrant workers through safe, legal pathways.
Malaysia rejects claims it is blocking UNHCR visits, affirming only two requests were received this year.
Thailand will grant a one-year extension for migrant workers from Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam to prevent labour shortages and support key industries.
The outreach mission highlights the need for dedicated support for Filipinos outside major cities, beyond temporary visits.
Province unveils five-year roadmap with 119 initiatives to strengthen protections, inclusion and community well-being.
ASEAN chief calls on Thailand and Cambodia to honor their ceasefire as fighting between the two countries displaces half a million people.
Youth groups push for action on undocumented migrants and illegal structures in India despite authorities declaring bandh unlawful.
Indonesia’s Housing Ministry is betting on small local builders instead of big developers to help fix its housing shortage.
A local Indonesian official admits remote villages lack basic information about legal migration routes, pushing desperate workers toward illegal recruiters.
The strawberry industry depends on undocumented labourers trapped in harsh conditions.
Indonesia’s Migrant Worker Protection Ministry has outlined seven key sectors to guide vocational training for migrant workers, aiming to enhance skills, global employability, and protection.
The Indonesian government strengthens efforts to protect migrant workers from East Nusa Tenggara with gender-sensitive recruitment and oversight programs.
Fresh clashes along the Cambodia–Thailand border have caused rising casualties and pushed more civilians to evacuate their homes.
A record-breaking $17.5B investment positions India as Microsoft’s new AI and cloud powerhouse in Asia.
Vingroup’s $3 billion investment with the Indian state of Telangana could build a huge ecosystem across 2,500 hectares of land.
Jakarta’s authorities have named PT PMT director in the cesium-137 contamination case and proposed to issue a travel ban.
New census data shows 1 in 20 residents now has migrant roots, with growth driven by working-age foreigners and rising numbers in the greater Seoul region
The Malaysian Association of Employment Agencies (PAPA) say stricter foreign worker quota rules are hurting businesses and creating uncertainty across multiple industries.
Indonesia has confirmed that 172 migrant workers were deported from Malaysia after overstaying, lacking documents, or being involved in criminal cases.
Severe flooding in southern Thailand killed at least 20 Myanmar migrant workers among 170 total fatalities, with many struggling to access government aid due to documentation issues.
Indonesia presented its efforts to safeguard migrant workers, highlighting legal reforms, stricter recruitment oversight, and support for victims at a UN Committee session in Geneva.
Countries facing worker shortages, such as Japan, have been bringing in foreign talent to fill gaps. But experts warn it’s not enough.
Huawei partners with Telkomsel and Telkom to expand AI and cloud services in Indonesia, including a fourth Jakarta data center zone.
With foreign residents now comprising 9.7 per cent of the city’s roughly 259,500‑strong population, Gyeongju rolls out wider settlement, education and employment programmes.
Following a strong 7.5 magnitude earthquake in Aomori, Japan, the Indonesian embassy has advised citizens to remain cautious, prepare emergency supplies, and follow official safety instructions.
Ambassador’s engagement with Jeonbuk centre and community aims to strengthen welfare and protection mechanisms for Cambodian workers.
Protesters say the current system leaves their future in the hands of employers.
The Department of Health (DOH) reports a slight rise in HIV infections among Filipino migrant workers, with most cases linked to sexual contact.
The Indonesian government provides financial support to migrant workers impacted by a deadly Hong Kong apartment fire, prioritising victims and their families.
Indonesia deployed 260,000 migrant workers this year exceeding its 2025 target and now aims to send up to 700,000 workers abroad next year.
Ministry for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (KP2MI), Mukhtarudin says European countries urgently need nurses and welders, but Indonesia will only send workers to destinations that guarantee strong protection.
Indonesian capital Jakarta, as well as other parts of the country, is experiencing another round of floods as the rainy season intensifies in December 2025.
A government-funded training programme equips workers with advanced wellness skills and sets a model for future overseas placements.
Malaysia’s Parliament has approved two amendment bills aimed at upgrading the national skills development system and improving training quality.
Indonesia has doubled its funding and reformed its institutions to improve protection for its migrant workers at home and abroad.
At the end of August, Malaysia's Home Ministry reported that 20,143 undocumented immigrants were being held in immigration detention facilities across the country.
Cambodia's Labour Ministry is actively aiding thousands of migrant workers returning from Thailand by offering extensive employment and training opportunities across the nation.
Fewer people from Asia-Pacific are coming to the UK to study or work in 2025, driven by stricter visa rules and higher financial requirements.
Russian bank Sberbank says it is working with thousands of Indian companies to boost imports and support the flow of migrant workers to Russia.
Indonesia won praise from a UN migrant-rights committee for recent reforms but was urged to fix major gaps.
Indonesia’s migrant-worker ministry met with Universitas Indonesia’s vocational school leadership to help push qualified students and graduates abroad.
Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has launched a new Debottlenecking Task Force to resolve investment issues, and he will chair it himself.
UNDP’s latest report says that more than half of all jobs in the APAC region face some degree of risk due to the AI boom.
The UK government will let police search small‑boat migrants, including children, for hidden phones or SIM cards to gather intelligence on people-smuggling gangs.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested over the death of an Indonesian migrant worker who worked in Japan under a tourist visa.
A rare Cyclone Senyar formed over the Strait of Malacca and slammed into northern Sumatra, leaving hundreds dead and over 2 million Indonesians evacuated.
A Philippine official says the deadly Tai Po fire won’t deter Filipinos from working in Hong Kong as both Manila and Jakarta update rising casualty and missing counts.
The EU has approved a plan to punish developing countries that refuse to take back their own nationals by suspending their trade perks under the GSP scheme.
Lao reports strong migrant worker remittances and renewed efforts to promote safe, legal, and well-regulated overseas employment.
The Indonesian government has signed multiple partnerships with national and regional bodies to fix recruitment problems and improve protection for the country’s migrant workers.
Minister Datuk Seri John Sikie Tayai explains fee funds for the comprehensive FWTA ecosystem, not just processing costs, while lawmakers call for review to ease burden on foreign labour-dependent sectors.
A new national poll finds security concerns driving attitudes, with older respondents more supportive of foreign workers.
Safiudeen Pakkeer Mohamed, a homeless migrant worker who was publicly humiliated outside a bank in Kuala Lumpur, will return to India after his unpaid wages were settled and authorities intervened.
Three others injured as police detain 11 linked to Tai Po blaze.
Hong Kong’s government and private sector are giving strong support to victims of the Wang Fuk Court fire, with Indonesian migrant workers placed among the main priority groups for cash aid and medical help.
After ten years of talks, Indonesia and Europe finally concluded the CEPA trade deal, and the Ministry of Trade is urging them to aggressively enter the European market.
Communities pray for missing friends as consulates confirm rising toll among Filipino and Indonesian domestic workers.
Under the new deal, FinFan and Thunes said that they can move money faster & cheaper to more than 130 countries and 80 currencies.
A lot of young Indonesians were promised attractive-paying jobs overseas but ended up in a human trafficking ring.
KP2MI is pursuing formal channels to send Indonesian migrant workers to Croatia amid a growing demand for skilled labour in essential sectors.
US State Secretary Marco Rubio ordered the diplomats to talk to their European hosts and allies and push them to tighten mass migration.
Indonesia’s new Special Train for Farmers & Traders adapts existing commuter trains with 73 side-facing seats and a fare of IDR 3,000.
IDN Global & the Indonesian Ministry of Creative Economy signed an MoU to launch the 1,000 Creative Diaspora digital platform project.
Human Rights Watch says Cambodia has failed to support more than 900,000 migrant workers who returned from Thailand and are now struggling with hunger, unemployment, and heavy microfinance debts.
The Ombudsman of Indonesia warns that weak coordination and fragmented monitoring systems hinder efforts to prevent human trafficking.
Indonesia has demanded full justice for Seni, a long-serving domestic worker allegedly exploited in Malaysia.
The Ministry for Indonesian Migrant Workers urges the deployment of active police officers to strengthen efforts against human trafficking and illegal migrant labour.
Kadin chairman says structural labour needs and ageing population ensure continued opportunities in healthcare, hospitality, and high-value sectors.
Police say over 9,000 migrant workers charged interest rates of up to 154 per cent.
Survey finds migrants remain among the most marginalised despite contributing to taxes and social insurance, highlighting gaps between public support and government policy.
CIFP 2025 will feature around 10,000 participants combined, 90 speakers and moderators, and 23 total sessions
Jakarta is now home to nearly 42 million people, overtaking Dhaka’s 37 million and Tokyo’s 33 million, according to the UN.
The United States granted Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to Myanmar nationals in 2021, but it has now ended the program, affecting nearly 4,000 people already living in the country.
Cambodia and Indonesia have pledged closer collaboration to protect the rights and wellbeing of their citizens working abroad.
Nepal tops the list of migrant worker source countries in Romania, but its workers earn less than Romanians doing the same jobs.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration has recently launched the new Global Citizenship of Indonesia program as an alternative to dual citizenship.
The Malaysian government has been urged by UN experts to act promptly to address the “systematic exploitation” faced by Bangladeshi migrant workers.
P2MI deputy minister urges timely departures and clear understanding of seasonal contracts as demand for Indonesian workers rises.
Malaysia continues to push to build new data centers as the country becomes the hottest tech hub in the region.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. honoured the contribution of overseas Filipino workers and pledged continued government support for their welfare.
Indonesia’s new ambassador to Malaysia, R.M. Iman Hascarya Kusumo says improving protection for migrant workers will be one of his main priorities.
BN(O)s exist because of Britain’s colonial history in Hong Kong and the handover deal with China back in the '80s.
The Japanese Yen continues to take a hit, marking its lowest since the last 10 months.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower has launched the Indonesian Forum on Labour and Productivity to respond to the rapid growth of gig work.
Indonesia is strengthening its Desa Migran Emas programme to build safer, better-prepared villages that support migrant workers from the ground up.
Indonesia will work with Malaysia to organise a major Islamic-Malay cultural festival in 2026 to promote shared heritage through public art.
CPTPP member countries held talks with the European Union and ASEAN to make trade easier, lower barriers, and strengthen economic cooperation across regions.
Cambodia has demanded swift action from Thailand after a young migrant worker said she was raped by seven Thai soldiers while returning home.
Indonesia will expand support for tourism MSMEs and push global culinary promotion programmes as part of its 2026 tourism strategy.
The Migrant Worker Protection Ministry is strengthening empowerment programmes to help returning Indonesian migrant workers manage their income and rebuild their livelihoods.
Malaysia has ended its search for missing migrants 11 days after a boat capsized near Langkawi, with 36 bodies found and 14 survivors rescued.
P2MI Minister Mukhtarudin says Indonesia will prioritise sending medium- to high-skilled workers abroad as global job opportunities remain largely untapped.
The U.S. has reissued visas for South Korean workers detained in a major immigration raid, allowing some to return to a Georgia battery plant.
BP3MI Southeast Sulawesi is expanding training programmes to improve skills, language abilities, and job readiness among residents seeking overseas employment.
Isminah, who suffered severe depression during her employment, receives government support and reunites with her family at Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
Indonesia is preparing a major overseas labour deployment plan for 2026, including a proposal to place up to 100,000 skilled workers in Italy, mainly in nursing and hospitality.
Vietnam and Laos have signed a new labour cooperation agreement to strengthen worker mobility, job training, and digital systems for labour management.
Japan has carried out its first major raid under a new policy targeting illegal migrants, arresting 19 Thai nationals accused of overstaying and helping others stay without documents.
The Philippines’ Department of Agriculture will lead training, livelihood assistance, and reintegration efforts while coordinating deployments with local governments.
A month after the launch of Thailand’s e-WorkPermit portal in October 2025, users are still reporting crashes and system instability.
The Indonesian Embassy in Singapore holds a regional forum to strengthen migrant worker protection and tackle human trafficking and digital exploitation risks in Southeast Asia.
Outgoing Indonesian ambassador Hermono calls the 2022 MoU on domestic worker protection his proudest accomplishment, highlighting improved conditions and smoother problem-solving.
The Indonesian government is pushing stronger vocational training to help more Indonesian migrant workers secure jobs overseas.
Lawmakers say special loans and better protection are needed to support Indonesian migrant workers, who remain among the country’s biggest contributors of foreign exchange.
MoSPI’s year-long study aims to map internal mobility, short-term movement, and migration drivers with updated methodology after nearly two decades.
Malaysian authorities believe that the Pade Ajak syndicate has been active since early 2023.
A tourism hotspot, Thailand is now tightening the country’s security against frequent visa runners to combat cybercrime.
Mashreq has teamed up with Singapore’s Thunes to help UAE migrant workers send money home faster and cheaper through direct mobile wallet transfers.
DBS PayLah! will join the Alipay+ ecosystem under this partnership.
Most migrants in Australia are coming from England, India, China, New Zealand, and the Philippines.
BP3MI West Java says 151,482 residents have worked abroad in the past three years and urges the public to follow legal procedures for safe migration.
Astana hosts the 26th Intergovernmental Commission as both countries push for deeper transport links, smoother migration rules, and expanded agricultural cooperation.
Regions roll out cultural stays, residency schemes and housing offers as authorities intensify efforts to encourage reverse migration.
Restaurants across South Korea increasingly rely on international students, who balance studies with cafe, eatery, and kitchen shifts.
Senator Raffy Tulfo has proposed a new Migrant Workers Relations Commission to fast-track the resolution of labour disputes involving OFW.
Indonesia-Australia will allow both countries to hold regular meetings between top officials to discuss security issues and work together if either country faces a threat.
BNI has disbursed Rp936.5 billion in micro loans to over 50,000 migrant workers to help them start businesses and reduce dependence on remittance spending.
IOM said in a new report that at least half of Asia-Pacific migrants are women.
It aims to boost skills and employability, with training and language preparation for opportunities in Germany, Turkey, and Japan.
ICE detained 475 people during a raid at a Hyundai-LG site. Most of them South Koreans with a handful from other countries.
South Korea warns foreign content creators that hateful or negative comments about the country could lead to entry restrictions.
The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has successfully repatriated 300 citizens and vulnerable migrant workers from Malaysian immigration detention, including children and the elderly.
The court confirms that foreign employees in India must contribute to the Employees’ Provident Fund on their entire salary, reinforcing compliance obligations for employers.
The new scheme aligns with international labour standards and aims to protect workers’ rights while strengthening Malaysia’s global standing.
Indonesia’s migrant workers sent home Rp136 trillion in 2025, and the government plans to introduce migration education in schools to strengthen workers’ skills and financial literacy.
GoTyme Bank’s partnership with Wise benefits its 7.8 million customers by allowing them to receive international remittances directly from more than 11,000 banks in 23 currencies worldwide.
The 1 million USD partnership aims to combat human trafficking, deliver humanitarian aid, and uphold human dignity in crisis-affected regions including Bangladesh, Sudan, Libya, and Ukraine.
“AI is the fastest-spreading technology in human history, but not the most inclusive one,” Microsoft said.
Southeast Asia’s digital economy has yet to return to its post-pandemic peak, but new data shows it remains firmly on track for long-term growth.
Thailand is moving to recruit replacement workers from neighbouring countries after the work permits of 90,000 Cambodian labourers expired, with agriculture expected to be most affected.
At least 29 migrants have died after a boat carrying Rohingya and Bangladeshi passengers capsized near Malaysia’s Langkawi island, while search efforts continue.
Authorities tighten coastal surveillance after reports that a vessel carrying hundreds of migrants may have capsized near the Malaysia-Thailand border.
The Indonesian government is partnering with the Indonesian Business Council to train half a million skilled workers for overseas employment in key industries such as welding, hospitality, and healthcare.
The Indonesian government has repatriated 33 migrant workers from Malaysia, including several vulnerable individuals, as part of ongoing efforts to protect and assist its citizens abroad.
The Indonesian government plans to prioritize the placement of skilled migrant workers in Turkiye’s labour-intensive sectors such as tourism, hospitality, construction, and manufacturing.
A new ILO report warns that Thailand could face a shortage of more than 250,000 home-based care workers by 2037 as its population rapidly ages, urging stronger investment in the care sector and protection for its citizen and migrant workers.
The Department of Migrant Workers has signed a joint agreement with several government agencies to ensure stronger protection and ethical recruitment for Filipino seasonal farm workers heading to South Korea.
The secretary-general calls for stronger TVET pathways, cross-border research, and sustainable skill development.
Remittances from overseas Vietnamese boost household income and foreign reserves.
Nepal seeks diplomatic talks, says requirements are impractical
Both sides agree to expand recruitment under EPS, strengthen rules to curb overstays and explore pilot programmes for nursing workers.
The number of long-term foreign residents in South Korea has surpassed 2.5 million for the first time, making up about 5% of the country’s total population.
Indonesia will give special scholarships worth Rp12 trillion to train and prepare high school graduates who wish to work overseas.
Despite rising labour demand, Japan struggles to attract skilled migrants as stronger Asian economies and weak yen push workers toward higher-paying destinations.
The government has confirmed that current regulations on hiring foreign workers will remain in place to ensure local talent continues to be prioritised.
The government plans to add migrant worker education into its free schooling system to raise awareness of workers’ rights and prepare future jobseekers from an early age.
More than two dozen towns in Japan now have foreign residents making up over 10% of their population, far surpassing earlier national projections.
The Indonesian government is planning to involve returning migrant workers in managing village cooperatives to strengthen local economies and promote financial independence.
Indonesia plans to bring English teachers from New Zealand to strengthen its language education programs, following President Prabowo Subianto’s meeting with Prime Minister Christopher Luxon during the APEC Summit in South Korea.
Judge rules migrant workers must be paid from arrival date, rejecting employer’s claim that wages start only after work permits are issued.
India has expanded its Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) scheme to cover sixth-generation Malaysian descendants of Indian origin and announced an additional RM3 million for student support.
The Indonesian government and the Jakarta Provincial Government will expand collaboration to equip Indonesian workers with higher skills and stronger protection as global demand shifts toward technical and professional sectors.
Indonesia has repatriated 26 citizens from the Thailand–Myanmar border after rescuing them from an online scam operation in conflict-hit Myanmar.
Junta repatriates thousands as critics say crackdown is cosmetic and tied to international pressure following ASEAN summit.
Overseas residents say global attention and Korea’s beauty boom are boosting business opportunities.
A Filipino migrant group in Thailand has called on the Philippine government to act immediately to help citizens trapped in regional human trafficking networks.
Authorities say the workers were removed for lacking official approval under the Foreign Worker Utilization Plan, urging public cooperation in monitoring illegal labour practices.
ASEAN is moving forward with a major digital plan to boost growth, using AI, digital trade, and skills training to help small businesses and workers benefit from the region’s digital future.
Indonesia has warned citizens not to work in Cambodia, stressing that it is not an official placement country and that many workers there fall victim to trafficking and illegal recruitment.
Collaboration aims to tackle AI-driven job displacement and support regional workforce mobility
Government to train welders and hospitality staff to meet overseas labour demand
Bank Indonesia says Malaysian tourists drive digital payment growth through the QRIS system, with Bandung and Jakarta recording the highest transactions.
Leaders focus on education, trade and infrastructure at annual bilateral meeting in Kuala Lumpur.
Hungary’s Interior Minister praised the Philippines for its high-quality workforce as both countries expanded their partnership through a new labor office in Budapest.
Laos has launched its 5th nationwide Population and Housing Census, set to begin on November 3, to collect accurate data for national planning and development, marking the country’s first fully digital census.
20 Indonesians escaped from an online scam compound in Myanmar’s Kayin State and crossed into Thailand during a security raid.
Labour Minister Kim Young-hoon said the government will keep the E-9 visa allocation for Cambodian workers unchanged, emphasising protection of migrant rights and bilateral labour cooperation.
Sanae Takaichi’s administration inherits a country grappling with an aging population and labour shortages, but so far, no clear signal of change for Japan’s migrant workforce.
Saudi Arabia has abolished its 50-year-old kafala sponsorship system in a landmark labour reform expected to grant greater job mobility and legal protection to millions of migrant workers.
Authorities detained a total 104 Indonesian nationals, including children, during an early morning raid at a wood and plywood factory in Tatau, Sarawak, for not having valid travel or work documents.
Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration closed applications for the 2025 SDU Australia Working Holiday Visa just four days after opening, receiving over 1.4 million access attempts.
The number of legal foreign residents in Japan has reached a record 3.95 million, reflecting the country’s growing reliance on overseas workers to fill labour gaps.
The Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has launched the Philippines-Croatia Friendship Week and a pilot hiring programme creating 435 jobs for Filipinos in Croatia.
Myanmar’s Labour Ministry reported that 296 workers arrested in Thailand were formally repatriated last month, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen safe migration and labour protection measures.
The number of babies born to foreign parents in Japan reached a record high in 2024, showing how migration is slowly reshaping the country’s population trends.
Starting 13 October 2025, Thailand officially rolled out its e-Work Permit system, a fully digital platform designed to make applying for, renewing, and managing work permits easier and faster for foreign workers and employers.
Indonesia’s Home Affairs Minister and Migrant Worker Protection Minister (P2MI) discussed plans for a comprehensive national strategy to strengthen protection, training, and coordination for Indonesian migrant workers at every stage of employment.
Malaysia’s Home Affairs Ministry will allow foreign worker quota applications on a case-by-case basis for selected sectors and subsectors until December 31, to balance economic needs with public welfare and support sustainable labour management.
Reports of workplace harassment involving migrant workers in South Korea have tripled since 2020, revealing persistent legal gaps despite government efforts to curb abuse.
Thailand has introduced a policy that mandates migrant workers to buy health insurance, aiming to ease the country’s healthcare spending burden.
Budget 2026 outlines Malaysia’s strategy to attract foreign investors and revive tourism through targeted incentives, infrastructure upgrades, and the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign.
Starting October 2025, non-Malaysian workers in Malaysia will be required to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF), marking a key step towards broader social protection and fairer labour practices.
A joint enforcement operation in Cameron Highlands uncovered poor housing conditions for several foreign workers and led to 28 investigation papers against employers for multiple labour law violations.
Indonesia plans to send 425,000 migrant workers abroad in 2025 under a new protection alliance, but rights groups warn that safety gaps remain.
The Selangor International Business Summit 2025 will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss trade, geopolitics, and talent mobility shaping ASEAN’s future.
1,000 global leaders will gather in Kuala Lumpur to discuss investment, digital economy, sustainability and regional integration.
Indonesia has launched a Migrant Center at the Indonesian University of Education (UPI) to train and protect Indonesians entering the global labor market.
BP3MI Yogyakarta is urging people to always verify overseas job offers legally, warning that many cases of exploitation stem from Indonesians leaving without contracts or proper documentation.
The ASEAN Social Security Symposium held in Kuala Lumpur aimed to strengthen regional cooperation and ensuring migrant workers can retain their social security benefits across borders.
Indonesian Golden Visa is an immigration facilitation given to foreigners to enter and stay in Indonesian territory for five and ten years in order to support the national economy.
North Sumatra Police rescued 36 Indonesians from a human trafficking attempt to Malaysia and arrested three suspects involved in the smuggling operation.
Indonesia’s Golden Visa programme has attracted around Rp 48 trillion in investments as of September 2025, with 1,012 permits issued, reflecting growing foreign investor interest.
Malaysia’s new BUDI95 fuel subsidy limits RON95 discounts to citizens, forcing foreigners and employers relying on migrant labour to pay the unsubsidised price of RM2.60 per litre.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Manpower uncovered multiple foreign worker violations at PT Wanxiang Nickel Indonesia during a September inspection in Morowali, Central Sulawesi.
Malaysia’s Immigration Department has exposed a long-running “counter-setting” cartel involving officers at major border points, with over 20 dismissed and hundreds more under investigation.
Indonesian’s Newly appointed Migrant Workers’ Minister Mukhtarudin chaired his first leadership meeting, stressing budget efficiency, protection, and the 2025 target of 400 Migrant Villages.
Indonesia’s new Regulation No. 17 of 2025 eases burden on migrant workers, but flexibility clause leaves room for worker contribution.
Visa’s latest Money Travels report shows Asia Pacific’s growing shift toward digital remittances, driven by emergencies, family support, and education needs.
An overall decline in placements was recorded by BP2MI in August 2025, compared to the previous year.
Malaysia hosts the 18th ASEAN Forum on Migrant Labour, highlighting fair recruitment, rights protection and financial inclusion for migrant workers.
MPs raise questions on visa enforcement, public health strategies, and regional trade measures during Monday’s parliamentary session.
Afghanistan records the biggest spike in return migration since the Taliban's 2021 return to power, both in scale and speed.
