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This page contains an updated list of labour laws and rules currently in force across Asia, from AsianSLL members. Each jurisdiction is arranged alphabetically.
All listed are in English, unless it is stated otherwise.
Last updated 28 January 2026
China
China
Civil Procedure Law of the People s Republic of China (2021 Amendment)
Interpretation (II) of the Supreme People's Court of the People's Republic of China on Several Issues Concerning the Application of Law in the Trial of Labor Dispute Cases (has come into effect on 1 September 2025)
Labor Contract Law of the People's Republic of China (2012 Amendment)
Labor Dispute Mediation and Arbitration Law of the People's Republic of China
Labor Law of the People's Republic of China (2018 Amendment)
Law of the People's Republic of China on Promotion of Employment (PDF) (TXT)
Law of the People's Republic of China on Safety in Mines (PDF) (TXT)
Regulation on the Implementation of the Employment Contract Law of the People's Republic of China
Rules for Handling Arbitration Cases on Labor and Personnel Disputes (2017)
Social Insurance Law of the People's Republic of China (2018 Amendment)
Trade Union Law of the People's Republic of China (2021 Amendment)
Work Safety Law of the People's Republic of China (2021 Amendment)
India
India
The 4 Labour Codes adopted at the national level
The Code on Wages, 2019 No. 29 of 2019
Code on Wages (Central Advisory Board) Rules, 2021
Bringing into effect the provisions of the Code on Wages, 2019 relating to Central Advisory Board
The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 No. 37 of 2020
The Code on Social Security, 2020 No. 36 of 2020
The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 No. 35 of 2020
Booklet - New Labour Code for New India
State (provincial) level laws adopted by some states for regulating platform and gig work
The Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act, 2023 - Act No. 29 of 2023
The Karnataka Platform Based Gig Workers (Social Security and Welfare) Act, 2025 - Act No. 72 of 2025
The Bihar Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration, Safety and Welfare) Act, 2025 - Act No. 8 of 2025
Japan
Japan
Visit the website of The Japan Institute of Labor Policy and Training.
Japanese Supreme Court judgments on labour can be found in International Labour Law Reports published by Martinus Nijhoff Publishers in the Netherlands since 1978.
Malaysia
Malaysia
Malaysia Gig Workers Act 2025 - will take effect in March 2026 [mirror]
Federal Court Decisions:
In GMP Kaisar Security (M) Sdn Bhd v Mohamad Amirul Amin Mohamed Amir [2022] 10 CLJ 669, the Federal Court provided valuable insights into the criteria used to determine when an employee’s tort is considered to have occurred within the scope of their employment so that his employer vicariously liable for such tortious act.
Philippines
Philippines
Laws
Discrimination
Republic Act No. 10911 (2016), An Act Prohibiting Discrimination Against Any Individual In Employment On Account Of Age And Providing Penalties Therefor (Anti-Age Discrimination in Employment Act) [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Mental Health
Republic Act No. 11036 (2018), Mental Health Act [mirror]
Migrant Workers
Republic Act No. 8042 (1995), An Act To Institute The Policies Of Overseas Employment And Establish A Higher Standard Of Protection And Promotion Of The Welfare Of Migrant Workers, Their Families And Overseas Filipinos In Distress, And For Other Purposes (Migrant Workers and Overseas Filipinos Act of 1995) [mirror]
Republic Act No. 10022 (2010), An Act Amending Republic Act No. 8042, Otherwise Known As The Migrant Workers And Overseas Filipinos Act Of 1995, As Amended, Further Improving The Standard Of Protection And Promotion Of The Welfare Of Migrant Workers, Their Families And Overseas Filipinos In Distress, And For Other Purposes
Republic Act No. 11227 (2019), An Act Mandating The Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) To Develop, Publish, Disseminate And Update A Handbook On The Rights And Responsibilities Of Migrant Workers, Amending For The Purpose Republic Act No. 8042, Otherwise Known As The "Migrant Workers And Overseas Filipinos Act Of 1995," As Amended By Republic Act No. 10022 (Handbook for OFWs Act of 2018, 2019) [mirror]
Republic Act No. 10801 (2016), An Act Governing The Operations And Administration Of The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (Overseas Workers Welfare Administration Act) [mirror]
Republic Act No. 11641 (2021), An Act Creating The Department Of Migrant Workers, Defining Its Powers And Functions, Rationalizing The Organization And Functions Of Government Agencies Related To Overseas Employment And Labor Migration, Appropriating Funds Therefor, And For Other Purposes (Department of Migrant Workers Act) [mirror]
Seafarers
Republic Act No. 12021 (2024), An Act Providing For The Magna Carta Of Filipino Seafarers (Magna Carta of Filipino Seafarers) [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Private Sector
Labor Code (last updated 2022) [mirror]
Amendments to the Labor Code since 2022
Republic Act No. 12063 (2024), An Act Institutionalizing The Enterprise-Based Education And Training Framework And Appropriating Funds Therefor (Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act) [mirror]
Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 82, Bangsamoro Labor and Employment Code (2025) [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Apprentices / Technical Education / Training in the Workplace
Republic Act No. 7796 (1994), An Act Creating The Technical Education And Skills Development Authority, Providing For Its Powers, Structure And For Other Purposes (Technical Education and Skills Development Act of 1994) [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Republic Act No. 8759 (2000), An Act Institutionalizing A National Facilitation Service Network Through The Establishment Of A Public Employment Service Office In Every Province, Key City And Other Strategic Areas Throughout The Country (Public Employment Service Office Act of 1999) [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Amendments
Republic Act No. 10691 (2015), An Act Defining The Role Of The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Local Government Units (LGUs), and Accredited Nongovernment Organizations (NGOs) In The Establishment and Operation Of The Public Employment Service Office (PESO), And The Operation Of Job Placement Offices In Educational Institutions (EIs), Amending For The Purpose Sections 3, 5, 6, 7 And 9 Of Republic Act No. 8759, Otherwise Known As The “Public Employment Service Office Act Of 1999” [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Republic Act No. 10869 (2016), An Act Institutionalizing The Nationwide Implementation Of The Jobstart Philippines Program And Providing Funds Therefor (JobStart Philippines Act) [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Republic Act No. 12063 (2024), An Act Institutionalizing The Enterprise-Based Education And Training Framework And Appropriating Funds Therefor (Enterprise-Based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act) [mirror]
Foreign National Employment
Commonwealth Act No. 613 (1940) - Philippine Immigration Law of 1940, see Section 9(g) [mirror]
Occupational Safety and Health
Republic Act No. 11058 (2018), An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations Thereof [mirror]
Remote Work / Telecommuting Employees
Republic Act No. 11165 (2018), An Act Institutionalizing Telecommuting As An Alternative Work Arrangement For Employees In The Private Sector
Specific Workers
Caregivers
Republic Act No. 11965 (2023), An Act Institutionalizing Policies For The Protection And Welfare Of Caregivers In The Practice Of Their Occupation (Caregivers' Welfare Act, 2023) [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Child Labour
Republic Act No. 9231 (2003), An Act Providing For The Elimination Of The Worst Forms Of Child Labor And Affording Stronger Protection For The Working Child, Amending For This Purpose Republic Act No. 7610, As Amended, Otherwise Known As The “Special Protection Of Children Against Child Abuse, Exploitation And Discrimination Act” [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Domestic Workers
Republic Act No. 10361 (2013), An Act Instituting Policies For The Protection And Welfare Of Domestic Workers (Domestic Workers Act or Batas Kasambahay)
Movie and Television Industry Workers
Republic Act No. 11996 (2024), An Act Protecting The Welfare Of Workers In The Movie And Television Industry (Eddie Garcia Law) [mirror]
Violence and Harassment
Republic Act No. 7877 (1995), An Act Declaring Sexual Harassment Unlawful In The Employment, Education Or Training Environment, And For Other Purposes (Anti-Sexual Harassment Act of 1995) [mirror]
Republic Act No. 9262 (2004), An Act Defining Violence Against Women And Their Children, Providing For Protective Measures For Victims, Prescribing Penalties Therefore, And For Other Purposes (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) - note paid leave of absence up to ten (10) days under Section 43
Republic Act No. 11313 (2019), An Act Defining Gender-Based Sexual Harassment In Streets, Public Spaces, Online, Workplaces, And Educational Or Training Institutions, Providing Protective Measures And Prescribing Penalties Therefor (Safe Spaces Act, 2019) [mirror]
Others
Republic Act No. 11962 (2023), An Act Establishing The National Employment Master Plan, To Be Known As The “Trabaho Para Sa Bayan Plan,” Appropriating Funds Therefor, And For Other Purposes (Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act) [mirror]
Republic Act No. 12124 (2025) - An Act Institutionalizing The Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency And Accreditation Program And Appropriating Funds Therefor (Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency and Accreditation Program (ETEEAP) Act) [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Rules
Freedom of Association
Executive Order No. 97 (2025) - Adopting the Omnibus Guidelines on the Exercise of Freedom of Association and Civil Liberties [mirror]
Private Sector
DOLE Programs for Private Sector Workers
DOLE Department Order No. 245-24 (2024), Implementing Guidelines of the Career Development Support Program [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 241-A-24 (2024), Amending the Implementation of Guidelines of the DOLE Adjustment Measures Program for Workers and Enterprises [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 241-24 (2024) - Implementing Guidelines Of The Department Of Labor And Employment Adjustment Measures Program For Workers And Enterprises [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 239-23 (2023), Guidelines in the Implementation of the Department of Labor and Employment Integrated Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (DILEEP) [mirror]
Labor Code
OMNIBUS RULES IMPLEMENTING THE LABOR CODE (27 May 1989). Note: Amended by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department Orders below.
Administration and Enforcement of Labor Standards
DOLE Department Order No. 238-23 (2023), Rules on the Administration and Enforcement of Labor Standards Pursuant to Article 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, As Renumbered, And Republic Act No. 11058 [mirror]
Apprenticeship During Probationary Period
Implementing Rules And Regulations of Republic Act No. 12063, known as the "Enterprise-based Education and Training (EBET) Framework Act"
Contracting and Subcontracting
DOLE Department Order No. 174 (2017), Rules Implementing Articles 106 to 109 of the Labor Code, as amended - Contracting/Outsourcing
DOLE Department Circular No. 1 (2017), Clarifying the Applicability of Department Order No. 174, Series of 2017
Manual of Regulations for Banks, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas - See Section 112 on Management Contracts and Outsourcing [mirror]
Discrimination
Department Order 251-25 (2025), New Implementing Rules and Guidelines of Article 133 [135] of the Labor Code, as Amended by Republic Act No. 6725, Otherwise Known As "An Act Strengthening The Prohibition On Discrimination Against Women With Respect To Terms And Conditions Of Employment," And As Renumbered By Republic Act No. 10151" [mirror]
Foreign National Employment
DOLE Department Order No. 248A-25 (2025), Supplemental Guidelines Clarifying and Amending Provisions of DOLE DO 248-25 or Rules and Regulations on the Employment of Foreign Nationals in the Philippines [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 248-25 (2025), New Rules and Regulations on the Employment of Foreign Nationals in the Philippines [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 221-A-22 (2022), Guidelines in the Accreditation of Agents and Appointment of Employer’s Authorized Representatives for Filing of Alien Employment Permit (AEP) Applications and Related Documents [mirror] - still effective according to Rule I, Section 3 of DOLE Department Order No. 248-25, unless inconsistent with DOLE Department Order No. 248-25
Joint Memorandum Circular No. 1 (2019) - Rules and Procedures Governing Foreign Nationals Intending to Work in the Philippines [mirror]
Labour Relations
Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Department Order No. 40-03 (As Amended by A-I) - Amending the Implementing Rules of Book V of the Labor Code of the Philippines [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 40 J-22 (2022) - Amending Rule VII of the Implementing Rules of Book V of the Labor Code of the Philippines as Amended by DO No. 40, Series of 2003 [mirror]
DOLE Labor Advisory No. 10 – 25 (2025) - Suspension of Processing of Requests for Sole and Exclusive Bargaining Agent (SEBA) Certification under Rule VII of DO No. 40-03 [mirror]
Revised Procedural Guidelines in the Conduct of Voluntary Arbitration Proceedings (2005) [mirror]
Minimum Wage
For the latest minimum wage rates per region, visit the home page of the National Wages and Productivity Commission.
Procedure in Labour Cases
DOLE Department Order 249-25 (2025), Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of Article 234 [228] of the Labor Code of the Philippines, as Amended by RA No. 10396, Otherwise Known as An Act Strengthening Conciliation-Mediation as a Voluntary Mode of Dispute Settlement for All Labor Disputes [mirror]
Service Charges
DOLE Department Order No. 242-24 (2024), Revised IRR of Article 96 of the Labor Code of the Philippines (Service Charges Collected by Hotels, Restaurants and other Similar Establishments) [mirror]
Termination
DOLE Department Order No. 147-15 (2015), Amending The Implementing Rules And Regulations Of Book VI Of The Labor Code Of The Philippines, As Amended [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Voluntary Arbitration
DOLE Department Order No. 255-25 (2025) - Revised Procedural Guidelines in the Conduct of Voluntary Arbitration Proceedings [mirror]
Mental Health for Private Sector Work
DOLE Labor Advisory No. 19-23 (2023). Supplemental Guidelines on the Implementation of the Mental Health Policy and Program in the Workplace [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 208-20 (2020), Guidelines for the Implementation of Mental Health Workplace Policies and Programs for the Private Sector [mirror]
Occupational Safety and Health
DOLE Labor Advisory No. 15-25 (2025), Promoting Labor And Management Preparedness And Protecting Labor Rights During Imminent Danger Arising From Disruptive Events [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 252-25 (2025), Revised Implementing Rules And Regulations Of Republic Act No. 11058 Entitled "An Act Strengthening Compliance With Occupational Safety And Health Standards And Providing Penalties For Violations Thereof" [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 244-24 (2024), lnclusion of Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils in Organizations Recognized by the DOLE as First-Aid Training Providers [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 238-23 (2023), Rules on the Administration and Enforcement of Labor Standards Pursuant to Article 128 of the Labor Code of the Philippines, As Renumbered, And Republic Act No. 11058 [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 235-22 (2022), Rules on the Certification of First Aiders and the Accreditation of First Aid Training Providers [mirror]
Occupational Safety and Health Standards (As Amended, 1989), covers up to May 2019 [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 198-18 (2018) - Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11058 Entitled "An Act Strengthening Compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Standards and Providing Penalties for Violations thereof" [mirror] (Superseded by DOLE Department Order No. 252-25)
DOLE Labor Advisory No. 04-19 (2019) - Guide for Compliance of Establishments to DO 198-18 [mirror]
Remote Work / Telecommuting Employees
DOLE Department Order No. 237-22 (2022), Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 11165, Otherwise Known as The Telecommuting Act [mirror 1, mirror 2]
Public Sector
Civil Service Commission (CSC) Memorandum Circular No. 15 (2006) - Guidelines on the Availment of the Ten-Day Leave Under R.A. 9262 (Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act of 2004) [mirror]
CSC Memorandum Circular No. 11 (2021) - Revised Administrative Disciplinary Rules on Sexual Harassment Cases (Amendment to the Sexual Harassment Provisions in the 2017 Revised Rules on Administrative Cases in the Civil Service) [mirror]
Migrant Workers
Omnibus Rules And Regulations Implementing The Migrant Workers And Overseas Filipinos Act Of 1995, As Amended By Republic Act No. 10022 (2010)
Department of Migrant Workers (DMW)
The Implementing Rules And Regulations Of Republic Act No. 11641, Otherwise Known As The "Department Of Migrant Workers Act" (2022)
1 (2023) - Promulgating the 2023 Department of Migrant Workers Rules and Regulations Governing the Recruitment and Employment of Landbased Overseas Filipino Workers [mirror]
2 (2023) - Renaming of OEC to OFW Pass and Lifting of Fees on OFW Pass to Rehires or Balik-Manggagawa OFWs (2023) [mirror]
1 (2024) - Re-Launching of Face-to-face Continuing Agency Education Program (CAEP) Seminar [mirror]
2 (2023) - Amended List of the International Bargaining Forum (IBF) Warlike and High-Risk Areas, Effective 01 January 2023 [mirror]
1 (2025) - Adopting An Automated System In The Approval And Certification Of Sending Organizations To Deploy Under The Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) And Technical Intern Training Program (TITP) Of Japan And Directing The Implementation Thereof [mirror]
3 (2025) - Operational Guidelines For The Progressive Implementation Of The USD500 Minimum Monthly Salary For Domestic Workers [mirror]
Seafarers
Department Order 247-25 (2025), Implementing Rules and Regulations on the Execution of Decisions of the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC) and Voluntary Arbitrators Pursuant to Presidential Decree 442, Otherwise Known As The Labor Code, As Amended, In Relation To Section 59 Of Republic Act No. 12021, Otherwise Known As "Magna Carta Of Filipino Seafarers" [mirror]
Specific Workers
Bioethanol Workers
DOLE Department Order No. 243-24 (2024), Setting the Amounts of the Maternity and Death Benefit Assistance Programs for Molasses-Based Bioethanol Workers, Pursuant to DOLE DO 222-21 [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 234-22 (2022), Clarification on Workers Covered under DOLE DO 222-21 or the Revised Guidelines in the Implementation of the Social Amelioration and Welfare Program for Workers in the Biofuel Industry, Utilizing Molasses as Feedstock [mirror]
Construction Workers
DOLE Department Order No. 19-93 (1993), Guidelines Governing The Employment Of Workers In The Construction Industry
DOLE Department Order No. 13-98 (1998), Guidelines Governing Occupational Safety And Health In The Construction Industry
Department of Public Works and Highways Department Order No. 56 (2005), Guidelines for the Implementation of DOLE D. O. No. 13, Series of 1998, On Occupational Safety and Health in the Construction Industry [mirror]
Joint Administrative Order No. 1 (2011) [mirror]
Amendments
Joint Administrative Order No. 1 (2022), Strengthening Joint Administrative Order No. 1, Series of 2011 [mirror]
Caregivers
DOLE Department Order No. 254-25 (2025) - Implementing Rules and Regulations of RA No. 11965 or the Caregivers’ Welfare Act [mirror]
Child Labour
DOLE Department Order No. 65-04 (2004) - Rules and Regulations Implementing Republic Act No. 9231 Amending R.A. 7610, as amended [mirror]
Construction Workers
DOLE Department Order No. 253-25 (2025) - Guidelines for the Standard Design and Specifications for Temporary Accommodation and Welfare Facilities for Construction Workers [mirror]
Movie and Television Industry Workers
DOLE Department Order No. 246-24 (2024) - Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 11996 or An Act Protecting the Welfare of Workers in the Movie and Television Industry [mirror]
Sugar Workers
DOLE Department Order 250-25 (2025), Guidelines for the Implementation of Financial Assistance Program for Distressed Migratory Sugarcane Workers (MSWS) [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 240-23 (2023), Revised Rules and Regulations in the Implementation of the Social Amelioration Program (SAP) under Republic Act No. 809 [mirror]
DOLE Department Order No. 236-22 (2022), Increasing the Amounts Received by Workers in the Sugar Industry under the Sugar Workers’ Maternity and Death Benefit Programs, Pursuant to Republic Act No. 6982 [mirror]
Violence and Harassment
DOLE Department Order No. 230-21 (2021), Guidelines on Support for Workers in the Informal Economy under Republic Act No. 11313 otherwise known as the Safe Spaces Act and its IRR [mirror]
Supreme Court Decisions
Discrimination
Patricia Halagueña vs. Philippine Airlines, Inc., G.R. No. 243259, 10 Jan. 2023, Supreme Court En Banc
Specific Workers
Construction Workers
Guidelines on Project Employment
Ruben Carpio vs. Modair Manila Co. Ltd., Inc., G.R. No. 239622, 21 June 2021, Supreme Court Third Division
Fitness Trainers
Rico B. Escauriaga vs. Fitness First, Phil., Inc., G.R. No. 266552, 22 Jan. 2024, Supreme Court Second Division [mirror, press release]
Gig economy / Platform Workers
Chrisden Cabrera Ditiangkin vs. Lazada E-Services Philippines, Inc., G.R. No. 246892, 21 Sept. 2022, Supreme Court Second Division
Tests of Employer-Employee Relationship
Chrisden Cabrera Ditiangkin vs. Lazada E-Services Philippines, Inc., G.R. No. 246892, 21 Sept. 2022, Supreme Court Second Division
Rico B. Escauriaga vs. Fitness First, Phil., Inc., G.R. No. 266552, 22 Jan. 2024, Supreme Court Second Division [mirror, press release]
Advisory Opinions
Privacy at Work
National Privacy Commission Privacy Policy Office
Advisory Opinion No. 2024-003 (2024) - Re: Random Surveillance of Telecommuting Employees and Consent to the Recording of Virtual Meetings [mirror]
Advisory Opinion No. 2018-084 (2018) - Re: Computer Monitoring [mirror]
Others
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