Law changes
Employment law changes tracker
Changes to minimum wages, contribution ceilings, payroll taxes and working-time rules that affect the cost of employing people abroad. Each entry links to the official source, and our country guides and cost estimators are updated to match.
Coming up
Scheduled changes
- MexicoFrom 1 January 2027
Mexico's maximum working week falls to 46 hours
Second step of the reform cutting the week from 48 hours (2026) to 40 hours by 2030, with no reduction in pay.
What it means: Schedules above 46 hours will need overtime pay; plan rosters and budgets for each annual step.
- PhilippinesFrom 20 January 2027
Metro Manila minimum wage rises to ₱780 a day
The second tranche of Wage Order NCR-28 adds ₱25 to the non-agriculture rate (₱743 for agriculture and small establishments).
What it means: Raises the wage floor for Metro Manila hires; check any salaries near the minimum.
- PhilippinesEffective 26 September 2026
Metro Manila minimum wage up to ₱755 a day (Wage Order NCR-28)
Adds ₱60 to the ₱695 non-agriculture rate (₱718 for agriculture and small establishments). Separately, Wage Order NCR-27 remains before the courts.
What it means: The monthly minimum used in our estimator rose from about ₱15,116 to ₱16,421.
- IndiaEffective 17 September 2026
Provident fund wage ceiling raised from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 a month
The Cabinet approved the increase on 16 September 2026, and Gazette notification S.O. 5109(E) brought it into force the next day. It is the first change since 2014.
What it means: Raises the statutory minimum PF cost and brings more employees into mandatory EPF coverage.
- AustraliaEffective 1 July 2026
Australia's Payday Super starts
Employers must pay the super guarantee for each payday instead of quarterly, calculated on qualifying earnings. The rate stays at 12% and the Small Business Superannuation Clearing House has closed.
What it means: Super leaves with every pay run, so check your EOR's invoices show it each cycle.
- AustraliaEffective 1 July 2026
Australian national minimum wage rises to A$26.44 an hour
The Annual Wage Review sets the national minimum wage at A$26.44 an hour, or A$1,004.90 for a 38-hour week.
What it means: Check award rates for any role an award covers, not just the national minimum.
- AustraliaEffective 1 July 2026
Australian Parental Leave Pay extended to 26 weeks
Families with a child born or adopted from 1 July 2026 can get up to 130 days (26 weeks) of government-funded Parental Leave Pay, with 20 days reserved for a partner. The rate is A$200.94 a day in 2026–27.
What it means: Longer leave means longer absences to plan for; the payment is government-funded, not an employer cost.
- AustraliaEffective 1 June 2026
Victoria strengthens labour hire licensing
New obligations for Victorian labour hire licence holders: a stronger 'fit and proper person' test for anyone controlling the business, a broader compliance history check in licensing decisions, and a financial viability declaration.
What it means: Ask any EOR employing staff in Victoria to confirm its labour hire licence and that it meets the new standards.
- MexicoEffective 1 May 2026
Reform to cut the working week to 40 hours by 2030
The maximum week steps down from 48 hours (2026) to 46, 44, 42 and 40 hours (2030). Overtime is paid at 100% extra up to a weekly limit that rises from 9 to 12 hours, and 200% beyond it.
What it means: Effective hourly cost rises each year for staff on long schedules.
- MexicoEffective 1 January 2025
Mexico City payroll tax (ISN) rises from 3% to 4%
Article 158 of the Mexico City Fiscal Code was amended in Gaceta Oficial No. 1515 (27 December 2024). Reductions apply to some small and growing employers.
What it means: Adds about 1% of payroll for Mexico City employees.
- GermanyEffective 1 January 2025
Single contribution ceiling for all of Germany
The separate East and West pension and unemployment ceilings were merged. For 2026 the ceiling is €8,450 a month (€101,400 a year) nationwide.
What it means: Any calculation still using an 'East' ceiling understates costs for higher earners.
- FranceEffective 1 February 2024
Paris mobility levy (versement mobilité) rises to 3.20%
The legal maximum for Paris, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis and Val-de-Marne rose from 2.95% to 3.20% (CGCT art. L2531-4), and Île-de-France Mobilités applies it.
What it means: Adds 0.25% of payroll for employers with 11 or more staff in these areas.
Spotted a change we've missed? Let us know.