Migrant Workers

Netherlands Labour Inspectorate 2025 Annual Report Submitted To Parliament

The Netherlands Labour Inspectorate's 2025 annual report signals intensified enforcement on hazardous substances, Seveso compliance, and asbestos management. Companies should anticipate more rigorous oversight of safety data sheets and major-hazard site inspections as the regulator shifts toward systemic, tool-driven compliance monitoring.

28 Mar 2026, 16:37rijksoverheid.nlNetherlands

Australia Anti-Slavery Commissioner Urges Stronger Modern Slavery Due Diligence Under EU Forced Labour Rules

The Australian Anti-Slavery Commissioner has warned that the Australia-EU FTA will subject exporters to intensified scrutiny under the EU’s Forced Labour Regulation and CSDDD. Companies must strengthen supply chain due diligence and transparency to mitigate market access risks as global enforcement of forced labour bans expands.

28 Mar 2026, 09:36antislaverycommissioner.gov.auAustraliaEuropean Union

Amnesty Urges ILO Governing Body Not To Dismiss Saudi Migrant Labour Complaint

Amnesty International is urging the ILO Governing Body to reject Saudi Arabia's request to dismiss a major migrant labor abuse complaint during its March/April 2026 session. This development signals heightened ESG and human rights due diligence risks for companies with operations or supply chains in Saudi Arabia, particularly regarding forced labor and labor rights compliance.

26 Mar 2026, 19:24amnesty.orgSaudi ArabiaGlobal

Netherlands District Court Reduces Article 15a Wav Fine and Confirms Work-Stoppage Warning

The Dutch District Court has confirmed that employers face significant fines and potential work stoppages for failing to independently verify and record the identities of agency workers. Businesses must ensure internal identity-verification protocols are strictly followed for all personnel, as reliance on third-party staffing agencies does not exempt them from legal liability or operational risk.

26 Mar 2026, 11:37uitspraken.rechtspraak.nlNetherlands

Brazil Labour Prosecutors Reach R$40 Million Settlement With BYD Over Exploitation of Chinese Workers

Brazilian authorities secured a R$40 million settlement with BYD in late 2025 to resolve allegations of forced labor and human trafficking at a factory construction site. This enforcement action highlights the increasing legal and reputational risks associated with global labor supply chains and the necessity for rigorous human rights due diligence in capital projects.

19 Mar 2026, 19:06prt5.mpt.mp.brBrazilHungaryChina

Poland: Phase-Out of Ukraine Assistance Measures Act Enters Into Force With Employer Notification Duties

Poland's Phase-Out of Ukraine Assistance Measures Act entered into force on March 5, 2026, transitioning temporary protection and simplified labor access toward a 2027-2029 sunset. Employers must maintain strict 7-day notification windows for new hires and contract changes to avoid fines, while planning for the eventual expiration of these special work-right regimes.

11 Mar 2026, 17:09isap.sejm.gov.plPoland

Norway Announces Tripartite Industry Programme for Agriculture and Horticulture

Norway has launched a tripartite industry programme for agriculture and horticulture to combat labour crime and improve working conditions for seasonal workers. While not creating new legislation, the initiative signals intensified enforcement and inspection focus on labour standards and worker accommodation within the sector.

9 Mar 2026, 18:26regjeringen.noNorway

Rijssen-Holten Adopts 2026 Bibob Policy Rules for High-Risk Permits and Transactions

Rijssen-Holten has implemented updated 2026 Bibob integrity screening rules for high-risk permits, public contracts, and real estate transactions, effective February 27, 2026. Businesses in sectors like construction, waste management, and renewable energy must ensure high transparency in financing and corporate integrity to avoid permit denials or contract terminations.

4 Mar 2026, 14:15zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

Netherlands House of Representatives Adopts Bill 36781 Introducing Reporting and Verification Duty for Loaned Workers Under Working Conditions Act

The Dutch House of Representatives has adopted Bill 36781, introducing mandatory accident reporting and safety verification duties for labor intermediaries under the Working Conditions Act. Companies loaning personnel must prepare for increased liability and administrative oversight, requiring proactive auditing of client safety standards to ensure compliance once the law takes effect.

2 Mar 2026, 11:34tweedekamer.nlNetherlands

EU Council: Poland and Allies Seek Reconsideration of Omnibus Proposal Extending "Use" of Plant Protection Products to Sowing of Treated Seeds

In February 2026, a coalition of EU Member States formally opposed a proposal to classify the sowing of treated seeds as the "use" of plant protection products. This development signals a risk of expanded registration and training obligations for agricultural operators, potentially increasing operational costs and administrative complexity.

24 Feb 2026, 19:34data.consilium.europa.euEuropean Union

UAE MoHRE Reports 2025 Closure of 230 Social Media Accounts Used for Unlicensed Domestic Worker Recruitment

UAE authorities shut down 230 social media accounts in 2025 for unlicensed domestic worker recruitment, intensifying enforcement of the Domestic Workers Law. This crackdown signals heightened digital oversight and stricter compliance requirements for labour recruitment, emphasizing the need for verified, licensed channels to mitigate legal and human rights risks.

18 Feb 2026, 19:31mohre.gov.aeUnited Arab Emirates

Taiwan and US Sign Agreement on Reciprocal Trade Including Forced Labour Import Ban and Migrant Worker Fee Reforms

Taiwan and the U.S. have signed a trade pact committing Taiwan to ban forced-labor imports and eliminate migrant worker recruitment fees by 2029. This alignment with U.S. enforcement standards necessitates immediate supply chain audits and a transition to "employer-pays" models for migrant labor.

18 Feb 2026, 19:23focustaiwan.twTaiwanUnited States

Singapore Comments on Special Rapporteur’s Report on the Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment (A/HRC/61/47/Add.2)

Singapore has formally responded to the UN Special Rapporteur’s report on environmental human rights, outlining its position on climate planning and sustainability ahead of the March 2026 Human Rights Council session. The response signals Singapore's strategic alignment with international environmental standards and provides a roadmap for future policy developments in waste management, air quality, and social equity.

17 Feb 2026, 14:32docs.un.orgSingapore

US Congress Introduces H.R. 7541 to Create Annual Restrictions on H-2A Temporary Worker Program

US legislation (H.R. 7541) was introduced in February 2026 to establish annual caps and restrictions on the H-2A temporary agricultural worker program. Companies in the agricultural sector should prepare for potential labor supply constraints and heightened scrutiny of recruitment practices as part of broader ESG and labor rights compliance.

17 Feb 2026, 11:27congress.govUnited States

Japan MHLW Ordinance Amends Enforcement Regulations Under Act on Comprehensively Advancing Labor Measures

Japan has updated the enforcement regulations for its primary labor policy framework, refining operational rules for employment management and workplace environment standards. Employers should review internal HR policies and reporting procedures, particularly regarding foreign worker notifications and anti-harassment measures, to ensure alignment with updated administrative requirements.

12 Feb 2026, 15:31kanpo.go.jpJapan

OECD Publishes Due Diligence Report On Recycling Processes In The Garment And Footwear Sector

The OECD has issued new due diligence guidance (February 2026) targeting systemic labor, chemical, and environmental risks within garment and footwear recycling supply chains. Companies must extend responsible business conduct (RBC) oversight to informal waste sectors and integrate recyclability into product design to mitigate emerging supply chain liabilities.

12 Feb 2026, 15:07oecd.orgGlobal

Netherlands Labour Minister Clarifies Enforcement Approach To Abuses Affecting Migrant Workers

The Dutch government has confirmed plans to increase labor law fines and strengthen enforcement against migrant worker exploitation, with specific fine adjustments expected by Q1 2026. Companies should anticipate stricter oversight of labor practices and higher financial penalties for non-compliance, necessitating robust supply chain due diligence and labor management systems.

12 Feb 2026, 14:30zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nlNetherlands

Malaysia Human Resources Ministry Reportedly Developing Direct Hiring System to Eliminate Recruitment Agencies

Malaysia is developing a direct hiring system for foreign workers to eliminate recruitment middlemen and mitigate labor exploitation risks. Businesses should prepare for increased direct responsibility over migrant recruitment and heightened scrutiny of labor supply chain transparency.

12 Feb 2026, 08:06freemalaysiatoday.comMalaysia

New Zealand To Fast-Track Modern Slavery Bill With Mandatory Reporting And Public Register

New Zealand is fast-tracking a Modern Slavery Bill mandating annual supply chain due diligence reporting for entities with revenue exceeding NZD 50 million. This move signals a transition to mandatory ESG transparency, requiring large businesses to formalize supply chain oversight and risk remediation strategies.

31 Jan 2026, 11:55modernslaveryrecommendations.nzNew Zealand

UN Special Rapporteur Issues Country Visit Report on Singapore’s Right to a Clean, Healthy and Sustainable Environment

The UN Special Rapporteur’s report on Singapore calls for enhanced human-rights-based environmental governance and an accelerated transition away from fossil fuels. Companies should prepare for increased scrutiny of corporate environmental disclosures, stricter greenwashing oversight, and potential regulatory shifts in waste management and circular economy.

29 Jan 2026, 09:30docs.un.orgSingapore