Cross-Border Catch-Up: Unlocking the Secrets of APAC Employment Laws

In this episode of our Cross-Border Catch-Up podcast series, Patty Shapiro (shareholder, San Diego) and Goli Rahimi (of counsel, Chicago) focus on the multifaceted Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, home to more than 40 countries, each with its own legal system, language, and business culture. Goli and Patty explore the diverse landscape of employee protections and employer obligations, from hiring and onboarding to employment contracts and terminations. They highlight critical stages where compliance risks may arise and the importance of understanding cultural norms. Patty and Goli also provide a brief overview of Japan’s lifetime employment system and South Korea’s similar approach to employee protections, as well as some of the unique challenges for employers in India, Australia, and Taiwan.