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Compliance News

Social Insurance

South Africa

South Africa Proposes the Creation of a Universal Healthcare System Financed by Employees

On 12 June 2023, the National Assembly of the South African Parliament passed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill (the “Bill”). The Bill aims to establish a universal healthcare system supported by a National Health Insurance Fund (the “Fund”). As it stands, the Fund is expected to be financed by monthly employee payroll contributions and through general tax increases.

The Bill has advanced to the next stage and has been referred to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) for review and possible revisions. Once final, the Bill will be sent to the President for assent.

Bahrain

Bahrain introduces social insurance pension reforms

The government of Bahrain introduced Law No. (14) of 2022, which amends several provisions of the social insurance program including raising social security contribution rates, revising the old-age pension benefit formula, increasing the normal retirement age for women, and revising the payment method of the end-of-service benefits. The new Social Insurance Law was passed and published in the Bahraini Official Gazette on 18 April 2022. However, implementing regulations are still expected to be issued at a later date (still yet to be determined).

Qatar

Qatar introduces a social security reform  

The Qatari government recently passed social insurance law No. (1) of 2022, introducing several changes including an expansion of the private sector social security system and an increase in social security contribution rates.

The new law will be effective in October, six months after its publication on 19 April 2022. Implementing rules and regulations are pending and the exact publication date is not known yet.

Indonesia

Indonesia to introduce mandatory public housing fund contributions

The government of Indonesia passed implementing regulations to the law on Public Housing Savings which creates a government-sponsored housing savings fund with mandatory contributions. The new law aims at helping public and private sector workers finance the purchase, renovation or […]

Hungary

Hungary to increase infant care allowance

Beginning 1 July 2021, Hungary will increase the amount of infant care allowance. Background Mothers are entitled to an infant care allowance (Csecsemőgondozási díj) during their maternity leave for a maximum of 168 days following the birth. As of 1 […]

United Kingdom

United Kingdom increases statutory pay rates

The government in the United Kingdom has increased the rates of statutory pay for sick pay, maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave, effective 6 April 2020. The following weekly rates of statutory pay are expected to apply from 6 […]

Nepal

Nepal introduces mandatory social security contribution

In November 2018, the government of Nepal finally launched a new mandatory, contribution-based social security plan mandating private sector employers contribute to the Social Security Fund (SSF). Employers are required to register their employees with the SSF before 21 May […]