The Conversation, Japan, 12 January 2019 - Japan brought in a controversial new labour policy at the end of 2018 which will open up blue-collar jobs to workers from countries such as Nepal, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam. The amendment to Japan’s notoriously restrictive immigration laws is expected to bring in an estimated 345,000 foreign workers within the next five years. It comes in response to the ageing workforce of Japan, where 28% of the population are over 65 and birth rates are falling.
OpenGov, South Korea, 11 January 2019 - Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) students won the first place award in the recently concluded 2018 UNESCO-UNITWIN ICT & Leadership Advanced Workshop and International Competition. It was held in South Korea last 10 to 15 December 2018.
Business World, Global, 4 January 2019 - Migrant workers who have moved to the developed world for jobs will send almost half-a-trillion euro home to low- and middle-income nations this year, according to the World Bank.
Coin Gape, Global, 4 January 2019 - Migration from one country to another to seek out a better, more dignified life for oneself, or one’s family is one of the most prevalent human pursuits of our time. The world is experiencing a dramatic increase in legal overseas migration for work, and there are currently 250 million migrant workers coming from developing countries to work in developed ones. Annual cross-border remittances have risen to more than US$600 billion.
MENAFN, Kuwait, 3 January 2019 - Three long-serving Filipino domestic workers in Kuwait have received awards from a migrant workers' group for their dedication and loyalty to their work.
The awards were presented at a Christmas party for migrant workers organized by the Filipino Clients Relations Officers (FILCRO). The prizes went to three domestic workers, Aisha Husain, Cathy Hadcan and Zenaida Ramos, The Kuwait Times reported.
The Myanmar Times, Thailand, 3 January 2019 - Thailand deported over 70,000 undocumented Myanmar workers in 2018, the Myanmar labour attaché in Bangkok said in a statement on Wednesday.
TechCrunch, China, 1 January 2019 - Over the last few years, millions of Chinese workers managed to earn extra money by being ride-hailing drivers. Many picked the gig because of its flexible schedule. For those who could not otherwise afford to own a car in China’s pricey metropolises, driving around is also a status symbol, even if they are paying off car loans every month.
Hankyoreh, South Korea, 1 January 2019 - South Korea’s number of foreign workers in 2018 rose by 50,000 from the year before, thanks largely to jobs in manufacturing and temporary or day labor positions.
The Japan Times, Japan, 31 December 2018 - The recent sweeping revision to the immigration law opens a gateway for as many as 345,000 migrant workers to enter Japan in the next five years. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, however, has repeatedly said the new visa system does not constitute an immigration policy.
Xinhuanet, China, 31 December 2018 - Hu Xiaoyan had a quick trip to Beijing to receive her Reform Pioneer medal and then rushed back to work in south China's Guangdong Province. Chinese Spring Festival is a month away, which is the busiest time of year for her.
Malaysia Kini, Malaysia, 31 December 2018 - We are perturbed by the Human Resources Ministry's proposal for employers to deduct 20 percent of their foreign workers' basic salaries as a means to bond workers to their employers.
Focus Taiwan News Channel, Taiwan, 30 December 2018 - Migrant workers will serve for the first time as crowd-managing volunteers on Taipei's MRT system during New Year's Eve festivities to be held Monday.
The Jakarta Post, Indonesia, 28 December 2018 - The year 2018 was supposed to be the year of achievement for Indonesia’s push for greater citizen protection abroad, a key policy priority under Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. However, the relevant sectors still harbor the same old flaws that prevent the country from helping its citizens escape abuse, kidnapping and capital punishment overseas.
Bloomberg, Japan, 25 December 2018 - Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s cabinet approved a policy document Tuesday, seeking to deflect criticism of a law that will open the door to foreign guest workers from April.
NIKKEI Asian Review, Japan, 25 December 2018 - Japan's government on Tuesday adopted a slew of measures to encourage foreign nationals to work in the country and to smooth their integration into society.
