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Recent Editions
Human Times
North America
The Trump administration has proposed eliminating the 60-day grace period for H-1B visa holders, which currently allows them to remain in the U.S. and seek new employment after job loss. This change, published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, would require affected workers to leave the country immediately upon losing their jobs, potentially disrupting major tech companies that depend on foreign talent. "DHS presumes that they will either offer the same jobs to equally qualified U.S. workers or go through the I-129 petition process," the notice stated. The grace period, in effect since 2017, has provided foreign workers time to transition after employment ends. If enacted, this rule would also affect other visa categories, including E-1, E-2, L-1, O-1, and TN visas, and is open for public comment for two months before becoming law.
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Human Times
UK
UK productivity may be entering its strongest period since the financial crisis, with revised measures showing output per job rising 1.4% in the year to June and alternative estimates pointing to faster gains since late 2024. Economists disagree over the cause, but some believe artificial intelligence is beginning to lift output, particularly in information and technology industries. John van Reenen of the London School of Economics called the improvement a "remarkable turnaround" that could represent "the first macroeconomic flowers of the AI boom". UK workers appear especially inclined to use AI to augment knowledge-based work rather than replace employees, although evidence from the US suggests productivity gains may also emerge through slower wage growth. Economists caution that forthcoming official measurements will be crucial in determining whether the recovery is sustained.
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Human Times
Europe
Employment and household finances emerged as key dividing lines ahead of Sweden’s general election. Social Democrat leader Magdalena Andersson argued that four years of rising unemployment and weaker purchasing power had made everyday life harder, while Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson stressed economic growth and tax incentives. Sweden Democrats leader Jimmie Akesson took a tougher stance on unemployed immigrants, saying those “who aren't employable on the Swedish labour market” should either find work or leave. The competing approaches highlight a broader election choice between stronger welfare support and a right-wing programme combining lower taxes, tighter immigration controls and tougher expectations around employment. Polls showed the left narrowly ahead, although the final result remained highly uncertain.
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Human Times
Middle East
UAE employers are increasingly moving beyond Emiratisation hiring targets to focus on retaining and developing national talent. A Hays survey of 531 UAE employers found 42% planned to hire Emiratis this year and 55% already employed UAE nationals. Private-sector Emirati employment has risen sharply, exceeding 141,000 people across 28,000 companies by May 2025, alongside tighter compliance monitoring. Nicole Habchi, associate business manager for Emiratisation at Hays Middle East, said: “Retention should begin before the hiring process even starts.” Hays argues employers should define career progression, skills development, mentorship and leadership opportunities before recruitment. As competition grows, organisations offering clear long-term career paths, structured development programmes and regular career planning may be better positioned to retain Emirati professionals and build sustainable leadership pipelines.
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