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Labour shortage

Russia-India ‘win-win’ labour deal sparks concerns over migrant workers’ rights and safety

Russian President Vladimir Putin greets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Dec 5, 2025, in New Delhi. During Mr Putin's visit, both countries agreed to ease the movement of Indian workers to Russia.  REUTERS/Adnan Abidi
Russian President Vladimir Putin greets India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Dec 5, 2025, in New Delhi. During Mr Putin's visit, both countries agreed to ease the movement of Indian workers to Russia.  REUTERS/Adnan Abidi

As Japan’s labour shortage deepens, businesses fear losing foreign workers

Japan's controversial technical intern training programme has been accused of being a vehicle for getting cheap labour.
Japan's controversial technical intern training programme has been accused of being a vehicle for getting cheap labour.

Louvre trade unions call for rolling strike next week

The unions said that parts of the Louvre were being regularly closed because of “insufficient staff numbers, as well as technical failures and the building’s ageing condition”.
The unions said that parts of the Louvre were being regularly closed because of “insufficient staff numbers, as well as technical failures and the building’s ageing condition”.

In Good Company

Challenging times for F&B? BreadTalk just keeps growing

BreadTalk CEO Jonathan Quek said there is always a story behind each piece of bread the bakery has come up with.
BreadTalk CEO Jonathan Quek said there is always a story behind each piece of bread the bakery has come up with.

As South Korean youth exit restaurant jobs, foreign students step in

Employers say it is harder than ever to hire local workers for roles like waiting tables or assisting in kitchens.
Employers say it is harder than ever to hire local workers for roles like waiting tables or assisting in kitchens.

India’s most valuable export: Tens of millions of workers

Students hoping to work in Japan study Japanese at a language school in New Delhi.
Students hoping to work in Japan study Japanese at a language school in New Delhi.

Number of foreign residents in Japan hits record high, surge in foreign labour

The majority of foreign residents in Japan were from China, Vietnam, and South Korea, in that order.
The majority of foreign residents in Japan were from China, Vietnam, and South Korea, in that order.

Japanese banks begin closing for lunch due to staffing shortages

At participating branches, service will stop for one hour from 11.30am.
At participating branches, service will stop for one hour from 11.30am.

Hong Kong’s influx of mainland Chinese workers puts local job seekers on edge 

Office workers cross a street in Central, a major financial district in Hong Kong, on Jan 15, 2024. About 55,000 Chinese from the mainland have joined Hong Kong’s working masses through a “top talent” visa program since December 2022. (Anthony Kwan/The New York Times)
Office workers cross a street in Central, a major financial district in Hong Kong, on Jan 15, 2024. About 55,000 Chinese from the mainland have joined Hong Kong’s working masses through a “top talent” visa program since December 2022. (Anthony Kwan/The New York Times)

7 in 10 employers satisfied with their migrant workers: MOM survey

Migrant workers also reported record-high satisfaction with their working and living conditions here.
Migrant workers also reported record-high satisfaction with their working and living conditions here.

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MDDI (P) 046/10/2025. Published by SPH Media Limited, Co. Regn. No.202120748H. Copyright © 2026 SPH Media Limited. All rights reserved.