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Middle East Edition
2nd October 2024
 
THE HOT STORY
Filipino workers in Lebanon urge Manila to speed up repatriation
Over 11,000 Filipinos in Lebanon are urging the Philippine government for expedited repatriation amid escalating violence from Israeli attacks, which have resulted in over 1,000 casualties. Joanna Concepcion, president of Migrante International, a global alliance of overseas Filipino workers, highlighted the urgent concerns of many Filipinos in Lebanon, saying: “This time, the situation is worrying them and they feel there is nowhere safe anymore.” Legal obstacles and employer permissions complicate their departure, because the Lebanese government has suspended certain operations. Venacio Legaspi from the Department of Migrant Workers assured that efforts for safe repatriation are ongoing, but many workers are calling for mandatory repatriation to ensure their safety. “When will they act? When some people have already died here?” Filipino worker Christine Lao said at a press conference hosted by Migrante International. “I call on all government agencies to pay attention to us . . . After being here for so long, we never considered returning home, but now it has become a matter of life and death. We can no longer hold back.”
HIRING
New Saudi temporary work visa rules unveiled
The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development in Saudi Arabia has announced new regulations for temporary work visas related to Hajj and Umrah services, approved by the Council of Ministers. These changes aim to enhance the local labour market's attractiveness, providing flexibility for the private sector to use temporary visas as needed. The regulations will come into effect 180 days post-approval and include an extended grace period for visas from Shaban 15 to the end of Muharram. The updated rules also mandate a signed employment contract and medical insurance before visa issuance, ensuring transparency and governance.
LEGAL
Individuals arrested for for violating labour and residence laws in Oman
A group has been arrested in the Wilayat of Suwaiq, North Al Batinah Governorate, for breaching labour and residence laws. The Royal Oman Police (ROP) reported that individuals of African and Asian nationalities were detained, and "legal procedures are being completed against them." The incident highlights ongoing efforts to enforce regulations concerning foreign workers in Oman, The Times of Oman notes.
WORKPLACE
Jordanian man opens fire at workplace after getting sacked
A tragic incident unfolded in Aqaba, Southern Jordan, when a recently dismissed employee returned to his former workplace and opened fire, resulting in the death of the manager and injuries to two others. The assailant, whose face was concealed, used a Kalashnikov rifle during the attack. The Jordanian Public Security Directorate confirmed that the injured individuals are currently hospitalised, and an investigation is underway. As of now, the shooter remains at large, raising concerns about workplace safety and security.
INTERNATIONAL
Canadian legal associations demand fair hiring amid Middle East tensions
Canada's South Asian Bar Association (SABA) and the Canadian Muslim Lawyers Association (CMLA) have issued strong statements calling on legal employers to uphold principles of equality, diversity, and human rights in their hiring practices, especially as recruitment for summer students approaches. These open letters come in response to rising tensions related to geopolitical events in the Middle East and reported discrimination against young lawyers and law students. CMLA chair Husein Panju emphasized the need for inclusive and unbiased recruitment processes, especially regarding personal views on sensitive issues like the Israel-Palestine conflict. SABA president Annie Tayyab highlighted the climate of fear among racialized individuals expressing their opinions, noting instances of backlash and discrimination linked to their political expressions. The CMLA has been actively reaching out to law firms and government employers to address these concerns and provide support in combating discrimination. Despite the issues raised, major Canadian law firms have not publicly responded to the associations' letters.

 
Law
Swedish appeals court rejects Spotify's night shift bid
Spotify's request to let staff work night shifts has been rejected by an appeals court in Sweden, which upheld a decision by the administrative court. The streaming giant had been seeking an exception to a rule that ensures at least 11 consecutive non-work hours every day – which must include the hours between midnight and 5am - so that employees are able to be rested. Spotify said an exception was required for 250 employees to "maintain the operation of the company's services and protect the large amount of personal data that the company has."  But the appeals court said that the services provided by Spotify were not vital enough to society to warrant an exception to the rule, as can be made for services such as hospitals. "Since the main business Spotify conducts is audio streaming, primarily music, the court of appeals considers that work on operational disruptions weighs less heavily when assessing whether there are special reasons for an exemption," ruled court judge Daniel Sjölund.
Inclusivity for neurodivergent people can improve company performance
ABC Online speaks with Vicky Little, CEO of Specialisterne Australia, who for the past two decades has worked as a specialist recruiter supporting neurodivergent employees in large corporate firms. She says it is in the best interest of businesses to be "neurodiverse friendly," observing that "People used to think, 'Oh they're just doing it as a tick box [exercise]', [but] Actively hiring and supporting your neurodivergent staff isn't just a nice thing . . . the value that neurodivergent employees bring to the workplace is invaluable." The report notes that a 2016 study by Perth's Curtin University found that employing adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) benefits employees, employers and their organisations without incurring additional costs.
Chinese tell PwC's global chair to behave
China's vice-finance minister, Guo Tingting, has met with PwC's global chair, Mohamed Kande, following a significant fine imposed on PwC Zhong Tian, the firm's mainland unit. The unit was fined 441m yuan (US$62.2m) for its auditing failures related to the bankrupt China Evergrande Group. Guo expressed hopes that PwC would adhere to Chinese laws and regulations, saying: "I hope PwC would be a part of that development and continue to play an active role in China's reform and opening up and high-quality development." The firm has been suspended from operations for six months, and its Guangzhou branch registration has been revoked.
OTHER
There are more billionaires than ever before
Forbes has published its annual list of the world's billionaires, using stock prices and exchange rates from March 8, 2024 to tally their wealth. There are 141 more billionaires in the world than last year, and 2,781 in total. Their combined worth is $14.2 trillion, up by $2 trillion on 2023. Bernard Arnault, the head of French luxury fashion and cosmetics conglomerate LVMH, and his family are at number one on the Forbes list, with a net worth of $233bn. Elon Musk is No. 2 on the list, with a net worth of $195bn. At No. 3 is Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who has a net worth of $195bn, followed by Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, who is worth $177bn, according to Forbes. The wealthiest woman on the list is Francoise Bettencourt Meyers, the granddaughter of the founder of L'Oreal, who is placed No. 15. She is worth $99.5bn. 
 


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