In this issue: Asia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Europe, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Slovak Republic, Spain, UK, Middle East, Qatar, North America, U.S.

An excerpt from China:

- The PRC has tightened its immigration controls on expatriates coming to work in China for short-term work under new guidelines which took effect on 1 January 2015. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security (“MOHRSS”) and two other Government departments have issued a circular which requires those coming to China to work for less than 90 days, depending on their activity, to apply for appropriate visas. The approval process and requirements for visas are more complicated and time-consuming for stays of more than 30 days. Employers sending staff to China on business visits or short-term assignments must plan ahead to ensure that the appropriate clearances are obtained in good time.