Regulatory updates
for Global Employers

Amendments to Alberta’s Employment Standards Regulation took effect on 1 January 2026, increasing the maximum entitlement to unpaid, job-protected long-term illness or injury leave to 27 weeks per calendar year. This replaces the previous entitlement of 16 weeks and applies to leave taken for an employee’s own long-term illness or injury. The change aligns Alberta’s entitlement with several other Canadian provinces.

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation raised the minimum wage for Emirati citizens in the private sector to AED 6,000 per month, effective 1 January 2026. The new wage applies to all new, renewed, and amended work permits issued from that date, and employers must align existing salaries by 30 June 2026. From 1 July 2026, employers that do not comply may face sanctions, including impacts on Emiratisation quotas and work permit issuance.

A bill was introduced in Mexico to amend the Federal Labor Law to grant employees a mandatory paid day off on their birthday or double pay if they work that day. The proposal includes eligibility conditions, notice requirements, proportional leave for employees with shorter service, and penalties for non-compliance. The bill is currently under review by the relevant congressional committee.

Ireland’s 2026 Budget increases the ceiling of the 2% Universal Social Charge (USC) rate band to €28,700 (up from €27,382), adjusting the USC income bands for the 2026 tax year.

The Canada Revenue Agency has published and implemented the 2026 federal payroll deduction tables (T4032) and updated payroll formulas. These tables reflect confirmed 2026 statutory parameters, including CPP and Employment Insurance settings, and are used to calculate income tax withholding and statutory deductions. The updated tables apply to payrolls from 1 January 2026 across all provinces and territories.

Singapore has increased the Central Provident Fund (CPF) Ordinary Wage ceiling from S$7,400 to S$8,000 per month, effective 1 January 2026. The change expands the portion of monthly wages subject to CPF contributions for both employers and employees. The annual salary ceiling of S$102,000 and CPF Annual Limit of S$37,740 remain unchanged.

The Omani Ministry of Labour has recently issued Ministerial Decision No. 317/2025, requiring private sector employers to grant annual salary increases to Omani employees based on performance ratings. Increases range from 5% for “Excellent” ratings to 2% for “Acceptable,” with no increment for “Weak” ratings, and employees must complete six months of service to qualify.

Non-compliance may result in penalties of OMR 50 per affected employee, with implementation beginning from 1 January 2026.

Portugal has increased the Indexante dos Apoios Sociais (IAS) to €537.13 for 2026, up 2.8% from the 2025 value. The IAS is a statutory reference used to calculate various social security benefits, thresholds, and contribution-related limits. The updated value applies from 1 January 2026.

The Brazilian government set the federal statutory minimum wage at R$ 1,621.00 per month through an official decree. The new minimum wage applies nationwide.

Kenya’s National Social Security Fund (NSSF) contribution rates are scheduled to increase under the NSSF Act, 2013. The updated contribution thresholds will apply from February 1, 2026 and affect both employer and employee statutory contributions. The change reflects the next phased implementation of the NSSF contribution framework.