Tag: World Cultures and Customs

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Labor Force Talent Management Talent Mobility

China’s Labor Force Declines While Economy Transforms

Portrait of happy engineer. East Asian ; Japanese, Chinese, Korean engineer looking at camera, smile. Engineering people concept.

China’s labor force is in decline. After fifty years of continued expansion, the labor force in China declined last year. Although China still has over 20% of the world’s labor, the decline is indicative of how China’s economy is transforming.

Several other countries with major economies have declining labor forces similar to China’s labor force decline. Countries with declining labor forces include:

  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Russia
  • Spain

Since 2013, many other countries and regions with major economies, as well as several developing countries, have seen their labor forces expand. Countries and regions with expanding labor forces include:

  • European Union
  • India
  • Mexico
  • Turkey
  • United States

Additionally, China is increasingly expanding its level of capital stock. Whereas in 2000 the U.S. capital stock per person was 12 times the level in China, by 2014 the ratio had fallen to 3 times. Recent investment by China has probably pushed the ratio even lower. China is quickly moving on par with the U.S. level of stock per person, even as China’s labor force declines.

What does this mean?

The government in China continues to promote the nation as one that mainly exports lower-value consumer goods and finished products. However, this does not reflect the reality of China’s investment in capital stock. The decline in China’s labor force will further erode the country’s ability to use labor to support its growth as a trading partner of lower-value consumer goods and finished products. The U.S. is currently a trading partner that exports higher-value capital goods and intermediary goods to China. The future for China’s economy will be in this same higher-value market of goods.

What should employers expect?

Employers in China should expect to find it increasingly difficult to recruit and hire as China’s labor force continues to decline. Those with plans to expand into new markets should take this into account as they develop their hiring plans and corporate objectives. Employers should also expect the economy in China to increasingly expand into higher-value capital goods and intermediary goods. There may be significant opportunity in China for companies looking to expand in this market of goods.

What should employers do?

Employers finding difficulties in hiring and recruiting for positions in China should consider highlighting their relocation program’s benefits in their recruiting materials to counteract the effect of China’s labor force decline. The healthcare industry has been facing critical talent shortages for several years. Healthcare employers have responded in several ways, including:

  1. Providing Exceptional Candidate Experiences
  2. Using Data to Enhance Recruiting
  3. Recruiting for Cultural Fit
  4. Creating a Superior Employer Brand
  5. Speeding the Process to Keep Candidates Engaged

Relocation Management Companies (RMCs) are ideal sources for information on global candidate recruitment and relocation. Pre-Decision Services are critical for employers as they provide valuable information about a candidate’s ability to accept a position and be successful. Assessment data can be paired with structured interview questions to better understand the candidate’s interests, goals, and motivations.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of corporate relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees. Our team can help your company by using industry best practices to design your relocation program for the greatest appeal to positions in China. This will increase your company’s ability to attract and retain new employees as China’s labor force declines and its economy transforms.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com. It also created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program needs, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Talent Management Talent Mobility Visas and International Travel

India’s Supreme Court Overturns Colonial-Era Ban on Same-Sex Relationships

Good looking mature Asian Indian businessman with business suit smiling isolated on white background. Portrait of handsome Indian male model.

In September 2018, India’s Supreme Court overturned the country’s colonial-era ban on same-sex relationships. The landmark ruling gave rise to celebrations across India and throughout Southeast Asia. Activists hope the ruling sparks similar reform in other nations. The Supreme Court rule noted that consensual same-sex relationships are not criminal in nature. Also, the Supreme Court noted that people in same-sex relationships in India are to receive all the protections offered in the Constitution of India.

History Behind India’s Supreme Court Ruling on Section 377

British Rule Over India

The law prohibiting same-sex relationships is known as Section 377. As part of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Section 377 became law in 1861 when India was under British rule. Violations of Section 377 could have resulted in severe punishments. These punishments included the possibility of imprisonment for life, or a term up to 10 years, as well as a monetary fine.

First Challenge to Section 377

The challenge to Section 377 began in July 2009. This is when the Delhi High Court first decriminalized same-sex relationships among consenting adults. The Delhi High Court was hearing Public Interest Litigations (PILs) filed by non-government organizations. One such organization was The NAZ Foundation (India) Trust. NAZ Foundation has been working on sexual health matters in India since 1994.

Setback at the Delhi High Court

However, the Delhi High Court restored Section 377 in 2013 after appeals from several religious and conservative groups. In that decision, the court noted that Parliament, and not the courts, should take up the issue.

New Approach at India’s Supreme Court

Activists regrouped and took a different approach on the issue in 2016. Their new challenge focused on Section 377 as violating their rights to equality and liberty guaranteed under the India Constitution. July 2018’s hearings at India’s Supreme Court on the challenge included arguments that the law was legally inconsistent with other recent court rulings. One such ruling in 2017 guaranteed the constitutional right to privacy.

What does this mean?

With this ruling from India’s Supreme Court, the government in India will no longer be able to use Section 377 to prosecute consenting adults in same-sex relationships. India nationals in same-sex relationships will be accorded all of the India Constitution’s protections. While the ruling did not strike Section 377 from the IPC, the government can no longer use it to prosecute people in consensual same-sex relationships. It is important to note that India’s Supreme Court ruling on Section 377 applies to India nationals. The ruling may not apply to foreigners in India.

What should employers expect?

Employers in India should expect that additional legal challenges and rulings will follow. These challenges may be focused on issues such as marriage and parenting rights. Rulings that alter the current landscape of same-sex relationships may result in future employer obligations. Such obligations might include extension of health care benefits or similar programs. Many companies in India are eager to adopt inclusive policies and have been waiting for India’s Supreme Court to make its ruling on Section 377. As a result of this ruling, companies can now proceed to extend benefits to same-sex partners.

What should employers do?

Employers in India should review India’s Supreme Court rulings to determine how they might proceed with their employment plans. Employers should also be aware that future rulings will likely emerge over the next several years. As a result, these rulings may impact the employer’s ability to accommodate employees in same-sex relationships. Companies that are eager to provide benefits for their employees in same-sex relationships should work to ensure equal and fair treatment for all employees.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients develop relocation programs that attract and retain qualified employees across the world. Our team can help your HR teams communicate India’s Supreme Court ruling on Section 377 and its impact on transferees and their family members residing in India.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s relocation program needs, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Business Services Employee Development Talent Management

International Employment Through PEO Lets Your Business Grow Quickly

Group of happy young people of different nationalities working together

How can your business grow its international employment base quickly? Through the service of an International PEO that hires employees in foreign countries on your behalf. Through this Employer of Record solution, the International PEO acts as an extension of your company’s Human Resources Department, with a focus on immediate international employment solutions so your company can meet demanding business objectives quickly and efficiently.

What Does an International PEO Do?

An International PEO is a Professional Employer Organization. For your company, the provider will manage all of following for your international employment needs:

  • Onboarding
  • Payroll
  • Tax Withholdings
  • Remittances to Local Authorities
  • Health and Social Security Programs
  • Health Insurance
  • Employee Benefits
  • Pension Arrangements
  • Separations and Terminations

What are the Benefits of Working with an International PEO?

There are seven distinct benefits companies gain for their international employment needs by working with an International PEO:

  1. Quick Market Entry – often in as little as 48 hours.
  2. Flexibility – the main reason companies use PEO for international employment needs, with no long-term contracts.
  3. Cost Savings – up to 60% less costs compared to creating a foreign entity.
  4. In-country Expertise – helps your company navigate local laws, cultures, and compliance requirements.
  5. Risk Mitigation – for liability and employment-based risks in foreign countries protects your company, employees, and intellectual property (IP).
  6. Streamlined Process – global expansion goes from a multi-step process to a one-step solution.
  7. Employee Satisfaction – international employment includes ongoing HR support for employee needs, medical and supplemental benefits.

When Should Your Company Work with an International PEO?

Many companies choose International PEO as the optimal solution for the following scenarios:

  1. Mergers and acquisitions that require onboarding employees located all over the world overnight.
  2. Expatriate employment that sends team members into foreign markets without the overhead of a foreign entity.
  3. Testing a new market to determine whether investing in a presence in a country will be viable and successful.
  4. A new hire in a foreign country who is not able to obtain their H-1B Visa, but can continue as an employee through the PEO.

International PEO is the best option for companies who are looking to enter new markets:

  • In full compliance with local requirements on international employment.
  • Lowest monetary cost saves funds for use on other corporate objectives.
  • Least amount of time investment so company can identify and pursue opportunities.

Conclusion

GMS’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients understand how to grow their company’s international employment. Our team can help your company understand how to work with an International PEO to gain all of the benefits this solution provides for international employment.

GMS was the first relocation company to register as a .com, created the first online interactive tools and calculators, and revolutionized the entire relocation industry. GMS continues to set the industry pace as the pioneer in innovation and technology solutions with its proprietary MyRelocation™ technology platform.

Contact our experts online to discuss your company’s international employment needs, or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Visas and International Travel

EU Blue Card and Single Permit Directive Allow Non-EU Citizens to Work in EU Countries

European Union flag and map

Within the European Union (EU), the EU Blue Card program allows non-EU citizens to work in EU countries. Applicants for the EU Blue Card must meet specific criteria before they can obtain the card. Employment portals such as the EU Blue Card Network lets applicants submit applications as well as create profiles that can be searched by EU employers so they can offer employment contracts. Additionally, the European Job Mobility Portal provides an overview of job opportunities in the EU, as well as tips on how to apply for jobs and information on living and working in all EU countries.

What are the specific criteria that citizens must fulfill to request an EU Blue Card?

There are several specific conditions that non-EU citizens must meet before they can request an EU Blue Card:

  1. Citizenship outside of the EU
  2. Have post-secondary education (degree) or at least five years or more professional experience
  3. Obtain an employment contract or binding employment offer from an EU employer that is at least one year in length
  4. Work as a paid employee; self-employed workers or entrepreneurs are not eligible for the EU Blue Card
  5. Annual gross salary must be at least one and a half times the average national salary (except when the lower salary threshold applies)
  6. All necessary travel documents are in order
  7. Health insurance is in place for yourself and any relatives who come to the EU with you
  8. Proof that you fulfill the legal requirements to practice your profession, if the industry regulates your profession

How did the EU Blue Card program originate?

The European Commission believes that workers with a high level of skills from outside the EU are crucial to maintaining the EU’s economic competitiveness. Several sectors of the EU economy are dealing with a shortage of skilled employees, lowering the EU’s ability to compete in the international market. Since 2009 the EU Blue Card Directive creates a common admission criteria and helps speed the procedure for hiring skilled foreign nationals. A new EU Blue Card Directive in June 2016 further simplifies and streamlines the processes. The EU Immigration Portal created a new EU Blue Card website to provide a user-friendly portal as well as current information for applicants.

What should employers do?

Employers seeking to hire non-EU citizens should review the program’s requirements. They should also investigate EU Blue Card job portals and networks that will allow them to search for qualified applicants to help fill job openings.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts helps thousands of our clients with country-specific employment requirements. We can help your company understand how to use the EU Blue Card program and job networks to search for highly skilled foreign nationals to fill your job openings, and help you design a relocation policy that appeals to qualified job seekers. Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Global Relocation Tips Relocation Challenges Visas and International Travel

United States Internal Revenue Service Could Deny or Revoke Over 362,000 Passports

Blue United States of America Passport Isolated on a White Background.

The Fixing America’s Surface Transportation (FAST) Act signed by President Barack Obama on December 4, 2015, includes a provision regarding a United States Passport and delinquent tax debt. This provision requires the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to collaborate with the State Department. As a result, the IRS may deny or revoke the passport of any US taxpayer with seriously delinquent tax debt.

What is the issue?

The IRS has issued Notice 2018-1 “Revocation, Limitation, or Denial of Passport in Case of Certain Tax Delinquencies” to provide clarification on the issue.

  1. Section 32101(a) of the FAST Act adds new Code Section 7345. This requires the Treasury Department to notify the State Department if a certification is made that an individual has a “seriously delinquent tax debt.”
  2. Code Section 7345(a) provides that if the Treasury Department receives certification by the IRS Commissioner that an individual has a seriously delinquent tax debt, they must send this certification to the State Department for action and may include denial, revocation, or limitation of the taxpayer’s passport.
  3. Under Code Section 7345(b)(1), a “seriously delinquent tax debt” is an unpaid, legally enforceable, and assessed federal tax liability of an individual. The amount must be greater than $50,000, and for which:
    • A notice of federal tax lien is on file under section 6323, and
    • The taxpayer’s right to a hearing under section 6320 exhausts or lapses; or
    • A levy issues under section 6331.

Additionally, Code Section 7345(f) requires the $50,000 amount to adjust for inflation each calendar year beginning after 2016.

What is the need for Code Section 7345?

The basic concept of Code Section 7345 is to increase revenues. Prior to Code Section 7345, a taxpayer who was seriously delinquent on their tax debts faced limited consequences. Often residing outside of the country, such taxpayers had little incentive to pay their tax obligations in a timely manner.

Who does Code Section 7345 affect?

Code Section 7345 affects taxpayers who have seriously delinquent tax debt with no arrangements to settle. An important point to note is that this tax debt does include penalties and interest. A somewhat manageable $20,000 tax debt can quickly grow to over $50,000 when the amount includes penalties and interest. This in turn will trigger the possible passport denial or revocation. As a result, approximately 362,000 Americans could be at risk of losing their passport. Importantly, taxpayers who are in bankruptcy, subject to tax-related identity theft, or are working with the IRS to create a payment plan will not face passport denials or revocations.

What should employers expect?

Employers should expect that their United States citizen employees on assignment outside of the United States either permanently or on temporary basis are subject to Code Section 7345’s requirements. Employees denied a passport renewal or who have their passport revoked will not be able to move between countries.

What should employers do?

Employers who have US citizen employees on permanent or temporary assignment outside of the country should communicate Code Section 7345’s requirements to these employees. The IRS has remedies in place for taxpayers with seriously delinquent debt to prevent the loss of a passport. However, those employees must take action or face the denial of a passport renewal, or revocation of their current passport.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their country-specific employment, visa, and residency requirements. As a result, we can help your company understand how to respond effectively to Code Section 7345’s requirements. Learn how to respond to IRS and State Department passport enforcement issues that may impact US citizen employees on permanent or temporary assignment. Global Mobility Solutions’ relocation industry and technology experts are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

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Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Visas and International Travel

India’s Economic Growth Continues and Becomes Sixth-Largest in World, Surpassing France

Mumbai skyline view from Marine Drive in Mumbai, India

According to the World Bank’s data for 2017, India’s economic growth has now pushed the country forward to become the world’s sixth-largest economy. With a 2017 Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of $2.597 trillion, India’s economy surpasses France’s 2017 GDP of $2.582 trillion. India’s economic growth is further enabled by its surplus of highly skilled professional workers. According to the Centre for Economics and Business Research, India is on track to also surpass Britain in 2018, becoming the world’s fifth-largest economy.

Where is the growth in India?

India’s economic growth is accelerating across several sectors of its economy. The growth of India’s population adds further accelerant to its rapidly expanding economic growth. Sectors experiencing the greatest growth rates include:

  • Agriculture
  • Banking and Insurance
  • Business Investment
  • Construction
  • InfoTech Industry
  • Manufacturing
  • Mining
  • Real Estate
  • Retail/Consumer Spending

What does this mean?

As Global Mobility Solutions has previously noted, Korn Ferry’s study “Global Talent Crunch” highlights the skilled talent shortage that is impacting countries and specific industries around the world. This same study, however, notes that India is the only country in the analysis that will maintain a surplus of skilled talent through 2030. India’s economic growth is accompanied by a surplus of skilled talent that will provide the nation with a highly vibrant economy and bright prospects for continued success. The government of India will have more resources to invest in infrastructure improvements. Therefore, the population of India will benefit from plentiful job opportunities throughout the nation, across several industries.

What should employers expect?

Employers should expect India’s economic growth will continue to increase. If they are currently selling to India-based customers, this business should be on track for future expansion. Additionally, India offers good prospects for business investment and joint ventures. Employers should examine their business objectives to see how their company can benefit from India’s continued economic success. Since India also has a significant surplus of highly skilled workers, employers should expect that the country will be a good source for talented workers.

What should employers do?

Employers should review their business objectives and hiring plans related to their projects in India, or that result from sales trade with customers based in India. They should also examine the India government’s policies related to work permits and visas, so they can understand and respond to future growth and investment activities in this country. Employers should review their relocation policy to ensure it is designed to attract transferees and new hires from India’s skilled labor force. They should also examine the work permit and visa guidelines in the countries in which they have business locations that would benefit from relocating India-based transferees and new hires.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and visa requirements. As a result, we can help your company understand how to gain the most benefit from India’s economic growth and favorable business prospects. Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Global Relocation Global Relocation Tips

Japan’s Labor Reform Law Helps Corporate Japan Rethink Work Styles

3D Japan flag (with clipping path)see more country...

The government of Japan introduced a labor reform law in June. The law will change Japanese working behaviors that are detrimental to workers and their health. Several high profile examples of workers harmed by overworking led to the creation of the labor reform law.

What is the issue?

The Japanese work culture is famous for its focus on overworking employees. This culture is popularly known as “karoshi,” a Japanese word that means death from overwork. It is ingrained in corporations and is expressed in several ways:

  • Employees who stay late receive praise for their hard work
  • Companies frown upon employees who depart work before their supervisors
  • Most employees feel guilty for taking paid holidays and vacations

One of the most well-known examples of karoshi is the death by suicide of Matsuri Takahashi, a 24-year old employee who put in a lot of overtime at Japan’s largest advertising firm, Dentsu Inc., on Christmas Day in 2015. She had not been able to sleep much after working over 100 hours of overtime a month in the time leading up to her death.

Working 80 hours or more of overtime each month is seen as the threshold level where employees have an increased chance of dying. Many Japanese companies have employees working at this level or even higher. In addition to stress and suicide, other health effects of karoshi include heart attacks and strokes.

What does the labor reform law require?

Japan’s labor reform law:

  • Requires employers to limit overtime work to less than:
    • 100 hours per month
    • 720 hours per year
  • Ensures equal pay for equal work
  • Skilled professional workers with high wages are exempt from working-hour regulations
    • This group includes product developers, financial traders, bankers, consultants, and researchers

Several Japanese companies had already starting taking steps to reduce their reliance on overtime prior to the law’s enactment. They also had been trying new programs to make it easier for employees to take paid holidays. The new law now requires all employers to make specific efforts to reduce overtime.

What should employers expect?

Employers should expect they must comply with the new labor reform law. Several companies have noted positive effects related to their efforts to reduce overtime. For example, SCSK Corporation states that its profits have doubled over a six year time period while they had implemented programs to reduce overtime. Management recognized that healthy and rested employees contribute more to the company’s bottom line performance since they can provide value-added services to customers.

In addition to helping protect employees from karoshi, the new labor reform law creates working environments that are more favorable to women, mothers, foreign workers, younger workers, and mature workers. As Japan continues to face a decline in its working population, the government recognizes that anything it can do to help companies provide better working hours and conditions will in turn draw a larger pool of prospects into the labor market.

What should employers do?

Employers should examine their working culture, policies, and programs to be sure they comply with the new labor reform law. They should develop human resource information systems that will allow reporting on statistics required by the new law.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment requirements. We can help your company understand how to comply with Japan’s new labor reform law. Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary relocation policy review

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Global Relocation Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Visas and International Travel

European Union Member States Must Recognize Residency Rights of Same Sex Spouses

Amazing London skyline with Tower Bridge during sunset

A new rule from the European Court of Justice, located in Luxembourg, requires European Union (EU) countries to recognize the residency rights of same sex spouses. The rule applies even if the countries do not authorize marriage between persons of the same sex. These countries may not obstruct the freedom of residence of any EU citizen. They cannot refuse to grant their same sex spouse, who is a national of a country that is not an EU Member State, a derived right of residence in their country.

Why is this rule needed?

Prior to the new rule, several EU member states did not offer legal protection for same sex spouses. These countries include Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. They also did not offer residency rights for same sex spouses of EU citizens.

Who does this rule affect?

This new rule affects same sex married couples who reside in the countries of Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia.

What should employers expect?

Employers should expect that all non-EU citizens who become residents by marriage to an EU citizen will now have full residency rights applicable to all EU citizens. This includes employment rights and health benefits for which they were previously not eligible. As a result, some employees may want to add their same sex spouses to their health benefit coverage, if applicable.

What should employers do?

Companies that have current EU citizen employees should take notice. Most especially if these employees reside in the countries of Bulgaria, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Slovakia. Companies should review their employee’s eligibility under the new rule for benefits coverage. They should also review the eligibility for all other related services for their employee’s same sex spouses. EU citizen employees and their family members within these countries should also take notice. They should understand the impact of the EU’s new rule affording residency rights for same sex spouses.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with their country-specific employment, visa, and residency rights requirements. We can help your company understand how to respond effectively to the EU’s new rule. We can explain the impact of residency rights for same sex spouses in these specific countries. Learn how to navigate the changing residency landscape in the EU from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Global Relocation Challenges Global Relocation Trends Talent Mobility Visas and International Travel

Japan Issuing New Work Permit to Attract More Foreign Workers

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Japan’s government is planning to issue a new work permit in a bid to increase the number of foreign workers. The initiative will address the country’s severe labor shortage that is impacting several business sectors, especially smaller businesses outside of large metropolitan areas. Japan will also permit the entry of unskilled laborers, who have not previously been able to obtain work permits.

Which business sectors does the new work permit cover?

Japan has at least five severely undermanned business sectors. Agriculture, construction, and nursing care make up the largest share of the labor shortage. Adding to the labor shortages are several 2020 Tokyo Olympic construction projects.

Why does Japan need this initiative?

Currently, many employees in Japan often work extensive overtime hours, to the point of physical and mental exhaustion. Additionally, Japan’s working-age population of people between the ages of 15 and 64 will drop by 15 million between this fiscal year and fiscal 2040.

What does the initiative entail?

There may be two methods for foreign workers to acquire the new work permit:

  1. Foreign workers can complete the Technical Intern Training Program, which lasts up to five years. Participants currently must return home at the end of the program. However, the government wants to let them use their new skills in Japan, so that requirement would change.
  1. Foreign workers can pass an exam on technical and Japanese language skills. Workers will need to be able to hold a basic conversation in Japanese. Some workers may receive approval with less proficiency (for example, workers in the agriculture and construction sectors).

The Japanese government understands that it must ensure foreign workers’ assimilation into the local culture. Language skills for foreign workers will help ensure they can integrate into Japanese society, and the government has sponsored Japanese language classes to assist foreign residents.

Working conditions for foreign workers are another government concern. The government will require that foreign workers be paid the same as Japanese workers, and receive the same fair and equal treatment in the workplace. Japan’s “My Number” tax and social security identification system will be revised to track foreign workers and ensure they are not being forced to put in more work hours than the mandated cap allows.

What should employers expect with this change?

When the government in Japan develops the new work permit and related program features, employers should expect greater access to an available pool of foreign workers entering the country for employment opportunities. Employers should also expect the incoming workers might need assistance with language training and assimilating into the Japanese culture.

What should employers do?

Employers should review their hiring plans for foreign workers in Japan to determine their eligibility with these changes. They should also monitor the Japanese government’s progress on creating the new work permit and related program features to determine timeframes for adding foreign workers, what their organizations need to do, and scheduling future projects.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts has helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and visa requirements. We can help your company understand how to gain the most benefit from Japan’s new work permit. Learn best practices from Global Mobility Solutions, the relocation industry and technology experts who are dedicated to keeping you informed and connected. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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Global Relocation Global Relocation Tips Global Relocation Trends Visas and International Travel

Singapore Named Most Livable City in Asia

City metro area at night
Singapore skyline at night.

Singapore has been named the most livable city in Asia and the 25th most livable city globally, according to Mercer’s 20th Annual Quality of Living survey. Mercer produces its annual survey in part to help multinational companies and organizations determine how to compensate employees who take international assignments.

Diverse and Mobile Workforce

Companies recognize that increasing globalization comes with many challenges. They face a distinct challenge in attracting and retaining qualified and highly-skilled employees. Companies seek a mobile workforce that is diverse and that has several new and different ideas as to how they want to work and where they want to locate. As a result, robust relocation programs should provide a wealth of services and benefits. This in turn will help employers stay ahead of competitors in the market for talent.

Singapore Success Leads to Most Livable City Designation

When it comes to cities, those that are seen as most livable can easily attract talented candidates. Singapore has achieved success unparalleled in Asia, propelling it to first world economy status and setting it up for the future of work. The other cities in the top three in Asia are both located in Japan: Tokyo and Kobe. Hong Kong ranked 71st globally, while Shanghai ranked 103rd and Beijing 119th.

Global Relocation Programs

Singapore has an amazing achievement as the highest ranking city in Asia on the most livable index. As a result, this makes Singapore a highly desirable location for transferees and their families. As a result, global relocation programs should tailor this information to enhance employee recruiting efforts. Clients planning to hire new employees in Singapore should find it easy to present their opportunities in a most favorable light. Clients looking to transfer current employees to Singapore or the nearby region should experience greater acceptance rates for relocation opportunities.

What Should Employers do to Attract Job Seekers to the Most Livable City?

Employers should review their hiring plans for foreign professionals in Singapore and the surrounding area. They should determine whether the time is right to implement these plans. They should also use the many benefits of a Singapore location within their relocation program and talent recruitment materials to attract and retain highly-skilled professionals.

Conclusion

Global Mobility Solutions’ team of global relocation experts have helped thousands of our clients with country-specific employment and work pass requirements. Therefore, we can help your company understand how to gain the most benefit from Singapore’s ranking as the most livable city in Asia. Contact our experts online or give us a call at 800.617.1904 or 480.922.0700 today.

Request your complimentary Visa Program Assessment

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