Other Briefings
New Issue of Asia Briefing: The 2014 Asia Tax Comparator
In this issue, we examine the different tax rates in 13 Asian jurisdictions – the 10 countries of ASEAN, plus China, India and Hong Kong. We examine the on-the-ground tax rates that each of these countries levy as well as residency triggers, available tax incentives for the foreign investor, and important compliance issues.
Visa Applications and Work Permits in Thailand
Foreigners looking to work in Thailand need to apply for both a visa and work permit. The non-immigrant “B” visa is the appropriate visa for anyone looking to conduct business or investment activity within Thailand. There are three “B” visa options based on duration of stay.
Indonesia Seeks Private Investors for Massive Infrastructure Upgrade
Nov. 15 – On Wednesday, Indonesia announced US$35 billion plans for new infrastructure projects to address what many view as the single largest deterrent to investment in Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Coming a day after senior executives at the World Bank vocalized concerns about Indonesia’s deteriorating infrastructure, the Indonesian government announced that of the 56 […]
The Pacific Alliance: ASEAN’s Bridge to South America
Nov. 14 – As ASEAN countries continue to move towards regional integration by 2015, a new economic bloc consisting of Latin America’s fastest growing economies may be the key to trade between the two regions. Establishing a framework for trade and economic integration, the Pacific Alliance (Alianza del Pacifico) was established in June 2012 by […]
Work Visa Procedures in the Philippines
The Philippines’ Bureau of Immigration is responsible for processing and issuing visa requests in the country. For foreigners seeking employment in the Philippines, there are eligible non-immigrant visa types for short-term business, pre-arranged employment and for foreign treaty traders or foreign investors.
Challenges Await the ASEAN Banking Integration Framework
By Matthew Davis Nov. 4 – Following periods of regional instability resulting from the 1997 Asian financial crisis and the recent global financial crisis, there has been great impetus for establishing a pan-ASEAN banking presence. In promoting such financial integration, the ASEAN nations hope to capitalize on economies of scale, a larger consumer base and […]
Thailand Auto Market Accelerates Into Overdrive
By Edward Barbour-Lacey Oct. 29 – Thailand is increasingly gaining a reputation as the “Detroit of the East,” in reference to the golden age of Detroit when it was the world’s automobile factory. Thailand is well on its way to becoming one of the most attractive places in the world to manufacture automobiles. One of […]
Work Permit and Visa Applications in Malaysia
Oct. 24 – Malaysia has a flexible visa policy that allows a majority of countries to enter without a visa for business trips that do not last longer than 90 days, including foreign nationals from the United States, France, Australia, Brazil, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, it is important to check ahead of time […]
Laos to Increase Foreign Workers
Oct. 17 – Laos is currently suffering from a shortage of skilled labor and, as a result, the Laotian Ministry of Labor has announced that the country needs to bring in at least 70,000 more foreign workers to support its current workforce. Laos has already brought in 20,000 foreign workers as of late, but it has […]
Work Permits and Visas in Indonesia
Indonesia passed new immigration laws in 2011, and as a result there are now various options available to foreign workers for obtaining visas and working permits in the country. We examine Indonesia’s work permits and visa types here.
