The Asia Immigration Paradox Part 1: Navigating Competing Trends

As the hub office for the Asia region, Fragomen’s Singapore location frequently observes and analyses immigration trends across various countries.

However, identifying consistent regional trends has become increasingly challenging, particularly in this post-pandemic period. Rather than a uniform shift, the region is experiencing a mix of competing policies and developments.

While many countries are easing travel requirements to boost tourism and business travel, others are simultaneously adopting more protectionist approaches to work permits. This dynamic landscape underscores the complexity of immigration trends across Asia.

The Growing Paradox of the Business Traveller

Countries across Asia are competing to attract business travellers and tourists. Singapore now allows Chinese nationals to visit visa-free for up to 30 days and has implemented AI-powered automated lanes for seamless entry, for example. Malaysia and Hong Kong have also introduced autogates, while Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia have relaxed visa requirements by introducing waivers and e-visas for various nationalities. These changes reflect a post-pandemic effort to make travel more accessible.

However, the increased movement of business travellers presents compliance challenges. There is a risk of individuals engaging in unauthorized work while on business or tourist visas, making it critical for companies to implement safeguards. Pre-travel assessments help determine whether a visa or work pass is required, and in cases of frequent travel, a single or multiple-entry business visa may be advisable. Countries like Vietnam exemplify this paradox—where foreign investment is welcomed, yet work authorisation for foreign professionals remains increasingly difficult due to diverging policies between immigration and labour authorities.

Rising Protectionism in Employment-Based Immigration

Despite efforts to attract global talent, several countries are also implementing stricter policies to protect local jobs. Singapore has tightened its employment-based immigration framework since introducing the Fair Consideration Framework (FCF) in 2014, which requires companies to prioritize local hires before considering foreign candidates. Compliance with FCF is actively monitored, and audits can be conducted if local applicants are not given due consideration.

In September 2023, Singapore launched the COMPASS points-based system to further refine employment pass eligibility. This two-stage process requires candidates to meet minimum salary thresholds and additional qualifications under a scoring system. While these restrictions have tightened immigration controls, the number of employment and S Pass holders has still grown by 38,000 throughout the last decade, with numbers holding steady in 2024 as companies adapt.

Malaysia, Vietnam and the Philippines have also introduced labor market testing requirements, though enforcement varies. Malaysia and Vietnam require companies to demonstrate efforts to hire locally before sponsoring foreign workers. The Philippines has recently strengthened its job posting requirements, and further restrictions may follow. These changes, while intended to protect domestic workforces, add time and complexity to hiring foreign professionals.

Coming Up: Part Two

The second installment in this blog series will explore how countries are balancing their labour market protection measures with efforts to attract highly skilled foreign talent. It will examine emerging visa programs designed to bring in top-tier professionals, as well as the growing trend of digital nomad visas. While some of these initiatives are gaining traction, others may be facing challenges as global trends shift.

Need to Know More?

For questions regarding Asia evolving immigration landscape, please contact APAC Regional Managing Partner Mark Buchanan at [email protected]. Stay tuned for Part Two in this blog series to be published in the coming weeks.

This blog was published on 24 March 2025, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.