WORKERS
Indonesia tightens scrutiny of language training for foreign workers, plans mandatory proficiency test from February 2027
Indonesia is increasing scrutiny of employers' compliance with mandatory Indonesian language training for foreign workers, although work permit application procedures remain unchanged. Employers must facilitate language education for non-exempt foreign employees, either through in-house programmes or approved institutions. While proof of training completion is not currently required with work permit applications, officials may question workers about their training during permit renewals.
Behind Bangladesh's garment boom, workers cut food, healthcare as wages fall short
Garment workers in Bangladesh are facing financial struggles due to rising costs of living. Many workers, such as Shilpi Khatun, have seen wages stagnate while expenses continue to rise. Protests erupted recently, demanding an increase in the minimum monthly wage to 30,000 taka. The government plans to revise wages but has not announced the increase yet. The ongoing economic pressures are affecting workers' daily lives and choices.
H-1B visas in focus :IBM to end green card sponsorship for roles in biggest unit
IBM is ending H-1B visa and green card sponsorship for most roles in its consulting division, its largest business unit with more than 150,000 employees, amid the Trump administration's crackdown on the visa programme. Affected employees can continue working for the company outside the US or leave by the end of the year, according to an internal document seen by Bloomberg.
Tata Electronics directed to submit detailed Action Taken Report after deaths of three workers at treatment plant
Following the unfortunate deaths of three employees at their Effluent Treatment Plant, Tata Electronics has been ordered to undertake a detailed assessment of their safety protocols. The workers succumbed to toxic gas exposure while performing maintenance tasks. Tamil Nadu authorities are presently inspecting the plant for adherence to safety measures, with state officials voicing condolences and the imperative for immediate assistance to the bereaved families.
Canada makes rural immigration programme permanent, sets aside 5,500 admission spaces
Canada has made its Rural Community Immigration Pilot a permanent programme, setting aside 5,500 admission spaces under its 2027-2029 Immigration Levels Plan. Announced by Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab on November 9, the initiative aims to help rural and smaller communities recruit skilled foreign workers to fill vacancies that cannot be met locally.
Apple to probe deaths of three workers at Tata's iPhone parts factory
Three workers at Tata Electronics factory died due to asphyxiation during maintenance work on a water tank. The incident occurred while the facility was closed for festive holidays, preventing any impact on production. Apple is currently conducting an investigation into the tragic event and its circumstances. Tamil Nadu's Industries Minister emphasized the importance of worker safety and dignity following the incident.
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France eases job-loss rules for foreign workers, cuts residence permit processing time
France has introduced significant immigration changes from October 30, 2026, giving foreign workers more time to find new jobs after unemployment and reducing residence permit processing timelines. Under the revised rules, Temporary Worker permit holders get three months to secure new employment, while EU Blue Card holders get six months without immediately losing their residence status.
Fires, protests, pollution: How Apple's supply chain woes in India have caused troubles over the years
Three contract workers lost their lives due to asphyxiation at a Tata Electronics factory in Hosur. This incident has prompted investigations by the companies involved and the Tamil Nadu state government. Recent years have witnessed various operational issues at Apple supplier facilities, leading to heightened scrutiny. Apple's supply chain in India continues to face challenges amid efforts to diversify from China.
Three workers die at Tata's Apple iPhone components factory in Tamil Nadu: Report
Three workers died of asphyxiation during water tank maintenance work at a Tata facility manufacturing Apple iPhone components in Tamil Nadu on Tuesday, sources in the know of the matter told Reuters. The incident occurred at the company's facility in the southern Indian state.
GCC clears 400 tonnes of firecracker waste after Deepavali; 200 tonnes more targeted
The Greater Chennai Corporation has cleared around 400 tonnes of firecracker waste since Deepavali and expects to remove another 200 tonnes in the coming days. It has deployed 600 additional sanitation workers and 350 vehicles across its 15 zones.
US jobs market shows broad-based recovery in October as hiring beats estimates
US employers added 165,000 jobs in October, far exceeding expectations, while unemployment fell to 4.1%. However, a closer look reveals uneven labour market trends, with foreign-born workers driving gains, manufacturing recovering and job seekers facing longer unemployment spells.
Assam OIL facility fire: Death toll rises to four after injured worker dies
A fire incident at an Oil India facility in Dibrugarh, Assam resulted in four fatalities among workers. The blaze occurred during maintenance operations, leading to multiple injuries. Spectron Engineering Private Limited employed all the deceased workers, who were affected by the fire. The company is providing compensation to the next of kin and the injured individuals.
GCC deploys 600 workers, 350 vehicles for firecracker waste collection in Chennai
The Greater Chennai Corporation has initiated a drive for managing firecracker waste during Deepavali. They have deployed 600 personnel and provided 30,000 collection bags for segregation. Residents are requested to separate firecracker waste from regular garbage and hand it over to workers. The civic body is enhancing cleaning efforts with mechanical sweepers and awareness campaigns across neighborhoods. Safety guidelines advise the use of approved green crackers to reduce pollution levels.
Death toll in explosion at Oil India's facility in Assam rises to three
Three people have died following an explosion at Oil India Limited's facility in Dibrugarh. The incident occurred during maintenance work at the Intermediate Tank Farm on Friday. Two of the deceased were workers and an engineer who succumbed to burn injuries. The injured were initially treated at Assam Medical College, with three remaining in critical condition. Oil India Limited announced compensation for the families of the deceased and injured individuals.
Assam OIL facility explosion: Death toll rises to two, 3 critical
In a devastating explosion at the Intermediate Tank Farm of Oil India Limited in Dibrugarh, two workers lost their lives, and numerous others were injured while performing maintenance tasks. Among the deceased was Tapas Jyoti Gogoi, who tragically succumbed to severe burns. Those injured received initial care at a nearby medical college but were later transferred to a private hospital, with three still in critical condition as the investigation proceeds.
Lithuania changes residence permit rules, creating fresh hurdles for Indian workers and students
In a move to tighten immigration control, Lithuania has established new residence permit rules that pose challenges for foreign nationals, especially from India. This shift affects Indian workers and students looking for work or study opportunities within the country. Particular visa types will now encounter more scrutiny, necessitating that employers assess the eligibility of candidates accurately.
Food delivery worker from UP gets 20 years in jail for abducting, raping 6-year-old girl
A 25-year-old food delivery worker was sentenced to 20 years in prison for abducting a six-year-old girl. The crime occurred while the child was playing near a brick kiln in Sikandrabad. The accused offered her biscuits and took her away on his motorcycle on February 8, 2025. Following an investigation, he was arrested on February 12, 2025, and later convicted.
ET Graphics: Inside India’s factories — Jobs, pay, margins
More than 40% of India's factory workers are employed on contract, while women account for less than a fifth of directly employed workers, with jobs concentrated in a few southern states. An analysis of the Annual Survey of Industries also finds that profits claim half of factories' value added, against a third for wages.
Oman tightens expat worker recruitment rules from January 2027; agencies must provide insurance, refunds
Effective January 1, 2027, Oman is set to enforce new, tougher rules for hiring expatriate workers, which will necessitate insurance coverage and adherence to recruitment timelines. Recruitment agencies will shoulder increased financial duties, including the possibility of refunds for employers.
US midterm elections: What a Democratic Congress could mean for Indian H-1B visa holders
The potential shift towards a Democratic majority in Congress may reshape the discourse on immigration law. Nevertheless, specialists indicate that immediate adjustments for Indian tech workers concerning H-1B visas are improbable. The lingering impact of the previous administration on immigration policy remains prominent.
Bangladesh garment factories close as workers clash with police in pay protests
Bangladesh's garment workers have been demanding a minimum wage increase due to rising living costs. Following their protests, police intervened with tear gas and stun grenades in several areas. Factory shutdowns were reported, impacting the country’s crucial garment industry significantly. The government is responding by forming a new wage board to address workers’ demands. Workers are expected to receive their first salaries under this new pay scale in January.
Bangladesh deploys additional paramilitary forces as garment workers' protests continue
Protests by garment workers in Bangladesh have persisted for five days due to demands for higher wages. Authorities have deployed additional paramilitary forces to manage the ongoing unrest in various industrial areas. BNP activists are actively attempting to maintain order while claiming infiltrators from the disbanded Awami League are causing chaos. A special tribunal has established a Wage Board to address worker concerns regarding compensation.
Gig workers may get social security benefits through 2% transaction levy on businesses
The government is considering implementing a 2% transaction-based levy on aggregators to support social security for gig workers. This levy will fund benefits such as insurance, health, and maternity support for over 12 million workers. There is a consensus that this approach ensures fairness among different types of aggregators. The new scheme is expected to be launched in 2027, requiring gig workers to meet specific work criteria.
US midterms: JD Vance says administration fought replacement of American workers with lower-wage foreign employees
US Vice President JD Vance highlighted the Trump administration's actions to combat visa fraud and safeguard American jobs. He emphasized that American employment should be prioritized for citizens over foreign workers to ensure sovereignty. Meanwhile, disruptions during the 2026 midterm elections in North Carolina caused polling hours to be extended across several precincts.
Bengal CM announces Rs 5,000 aid for 19,524 tea garden workers ahead of Diwali
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari announced financial assistance of Rs 5,000 for tea garden workers. The government is considering increasing rice allocation from 35 kg to 50 kg for these workers. Adhikari emphasized the commitment to reopen closed tea gardens for better employment opportunities. He also mentioned upcoming employment benefits under the Pradhan Mantri Chaa Shramik Yojana for eligible workers.
UK Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood scraps 15-year settlement wait for migrant care workers earning £25,000
The UK government has revised its immigration settlement rules, particularly for foreign care workers. Eligible care workers can now qualify for permanent residency after five years instead of 15. In addition, changes will extend the standard settlement period for most migrants from five to ten years. Stricter eligibility conditions are also being introduced for all applicants and refugees.
Bengaluru men held by police after ordering noodles, attacking Assamese workers at restaurant for serving them too spicy food
Four men were held in Bengaluru after allegedly assaulting three Assamese workers at a fast-food outlet over complaints that their noodles were too spicy. The October 29 incident in Doddathoguru was captured on CCTV, with footage showing the workers being punched and kicked. Police identified the accused and initiated further proceedings.
Garment workers' protests in Bangladesh turn violent
The BNP government has formed a wage board to determine revised pay scales for garment workers. However, protests have continued, potentially emerging as a major challenge for the Tarique Rahman government, which is already facing growing anti-incumbency amid a slowdown in the domestic economy.
Centre sets up social security board to frame welfare schemes for gig workers
In a significant move, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has initiated the National Social Security Board, designed to improve welfare for unorganised and gig economy workers. This board will advise on the rollout and supervision of important social security programs. Scheduled to meet three times annually, it will also manage policy discussions and oversee the financial aspects of the Social Security Code.
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