The Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Act (ICRR) was amended effective on 31 March 2024 to introduce a new visa category so-called Digital Nomad Visa, the guidelines for which became clearer in recent months. The Digital Nomad Visa essentially allows foreign nationals to stay in Japan up to six months (within a one-year period) and remotely work for foreign companies subject to certain conditions.
On 18 June 2024, Thailand’s Senate passed the act amending the Civil and Commercial Code (“Marriage Equality Law”), taking a historic step towards marriage equality and making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to legally recognize same-sex marriage. The new law is currently awaiting royal endorsement and will come into force 120 days after publication in the Royal Gazette. Companies should start reconsidering their HR rules and policies in light of the Marriage Equality Law.
The Guide to Philippine Employment Laws for the Private Sectors is intended to provide employers and human resources professionals with a comprehensive overview of the key aspects of Philippine labor law. It covers the entire life cycle of the employment relationship from hiring through to termination, with information on working terms and conditions, family rights, personnel policies, workplace safety and discrimination. The guide links to our global handbooks, which include information for the Philippines on immigration and data privacy. The guide also contains information on the employment implications of share and asset sales.
Various agencies led by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have signed Joint Administrative Order No. 24-03, Series of 2024 containing the Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act No. 11967, or The Internet Transactions Act of 2023 (ITA).
To recall, the ITA is intended to regulate e-commerce, protect consumer rights and data privacy, and uphold intellectual property rights.
The IRR clarifies the scope and coverage of the ITA, the enforcement powers of the DTI vis-à-vis other agencies, and the applicable procedure for imposition of fines.