Malaysia
Introduces mandatory EPF contributions for foreign employees
Currently, foreign workers do not have an obligation to contribute into the statutory Employee Provident Fund (EPF).
Effective from 1st October 2025, it will be mandatory for all employees – including foreign workers (except domestic servants) – to be enrolled into the EPF with both employee and employer paying a 2% EPF contribution.
Source: kwsp.gov.my
New Zealand
Increases Kiwi Saver contributions
Announced in the 2025 budget, the New Zealand Government are making significant changes to the Kiwi Saver scheme.
Effective from 1st July 2025, government contribution into the scheme will be reduced from 50 cents to 25 cents per dollar and can be contributed up to the cap of NZD 260.72 per annum.
Government contributions for individuals earning over NZD 180,000 will cease, and 16–17-year-olds will now be able to receive employer and government contributions into their savings pot.
Starting 1st April 2026, both employee and employer contributions will rise to 3.5%, increasing again to 4% on 1st April 2028.
Employees can opt to remain at 3%, however contributions will increase again to the enhanced amount after 12 months.
Source: thelawyers.nz
Egypt
Introduces employment law changes
The New Labour Law 2025 (Labour Law no. 14) comes into effect from 1st September 2025.
This new law includes the following provisions:
- Employees will be entitled to an annual salary increase of at least 3% of the employees’ social insurance salary.
- Contributions made into the Training and Rehabilitation fund will be reduced to 0.25% of the minimum social insurance wage on a monthly basis. This contribution applies to entities of 30 employees or more, up from the previous 10 employees.
- Maternity leave is now 120 days, up from 90, and can be used for up to three births instead of two.
- From the sixth month of pregnancy, working days are shortened by one hour for pregnant employees.
- Male employees receive 1 day of paternity leave on their child’s birth, up to 3 times per employment.
- Female employees are eligible for up to 2 years of unpaid leave to care for a child after completing 1 year of service. This option is available up to 3 times during the period of employment.
- Annual leave increases to 15 days in the first year of service and to 21 for each subsequent year. Employees aged over 50 with 10 years’ service are entitled to 30 days of leave, and people with determination are entitled to 45 days of leave.
- Employees may take up to 7 days of emergency leave, with a limit of 2 consecutive days at a time.
- Indefinite contracts now require 3 months’ notice for termination, plus 2 months' pay per year of service if ended without valid cause. Defined term contracts provide 1 month's salary per year of service if terminated early by the employer.
Source: clydeco.com
France
Introduces workers' protection against heat-related risks
Effective from 1st July 2025, provisions are being introduced to protect workers from heat-related risks such as accidents, heatstroke, and dehydration.
The decree states several weather vigilance thresholds set by Météo-France. These will be: green, yellow, orange, red. An intense heat episode is classed as yellow, orange or red.
Examples of the preventative measures include:
- Adapting working hours to limit intensity or exposure to heat
- Increase access to running drinking water
- Providing personal protective equipment
The decree also states that in the absence of running water, the employer must ensure the provision of at least 3 litres of water per day, per worker.
Sources: entreprendre.service-public.fr / eurogip.fr
United Arab Emirates
Announces marriage leave in Dubai
Decree No. (31) of 2025 grants new paid leave to government officials, those in Free Trade Zones, and military employees.
Employees are entitled to 10 days of fully paid marriage leave, which can be combined with other leave and must be used within one year of the marriage date. In order to be eligible for marriage leave, the following requirements apply:
- The spouse of the employee (male or female) must be an Emirati citizen
- The employee must have successfully completed their contracted probationary period
- The marriage contract must be attested by the competent authority in the UAE
- The marriage contract must have been concluded after 31st December, 2024
Whilst on leave, the employee is entitled to their gross salary, allowances, and benefits.
Source: gulfnews.com
Minimum wage increases from July 2025
The Netherlands
An increase in the hourly minimum wage has been announced, raising it to EUR 14.40 for individuals aged 21 and over. This represents an increase from the previous rate of EUR 14.06 per hour.
Source: sagiusuitzenders.nl
Reminders
Australia
- Superannuation contribution increases to 12% for employers from 1st July
- Parental leave increases to 120 days from 1st July
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