The Irish government is extending parent’s leave from seven weeks to nine weeks. The leave period is paid by Irish social insurance for qualifying employees. The Parent’s Leave and Benefit Act 2019 (Extension of Periods of Leave) Order 2024 will enter into effect on 1 August 2024.
The South African parliament has recently passed legislation dividing occupational retirement contributions into two pots (referred to hereunder as components) making one-third of the funds accessible prior to retirement and the remaining two-thirds available only at retirement or death. The new system, known as the “two-pot” system, will come into effect on 1 September 2024.
On 1 July 2023, the Australian government increased the Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contribution rate by 0.5% to 11% of employees’ earnings. The SG rate is scheduled to increase by 0.5% each year until it reaches 12% of employees’ earnings on 1 July 2025.
The current mandate in the emirates of Abu Dhabi and Dubai requiring private employers to provide health insurance coverage to their foreign employees and domestic workers will extend to the remainder emirates of the UAE from 1 January 2025.
The Lower House of the Colombian Congress recently approved a controversial government proposal (Bill 339 of 2023) to shift the financing of the healthcare system from private providers to the government.
The reform has faced political challenges and opposition, resulting in the resignation of the former Minister of Health and a reshuffling of the cabinet. Despite these hurdles, the Colombian legislature continues to debate the reform. It is still unclear if or when the bill will pass into law.