Asia Malaysia The Gig Workers Bill 2025 was passed, extending labor protections to about 1,2 million gig economy workers; the law mandates written contracts and basic benefits, like insurance and leave, for drivers, freelancers and platform workers
Africa Nigeria National Credit Guarantee Company will be established in May 2025 to improve access to credit for businesses and individuals; the initiative, part of President Tinubu’s reform agenda, aims to bolster financial inclusion by adding risk-sharing instruments
Asia Oman The second phase of the plastic bag ban in the Sultanate of Oman has begun on 1 January 2025; Environment Authority said this phase will focus on tightening restrictions on the use of single-use plastic bags
Europe Iceland The Kennel Club will officially recognise the Icelandic sheepdog as a purebred breed in April 2025; the Icelandic sheepdog can trace its roots back some 1.000 years and was even mentioned in a play by William Shakespeare
Asia Turkmenistan Authorities have begun confiscating passports of those who have outstanding bank loans: documents are seized upon leaving the country and given back once the loan is repaid; many of them are migrant workers heading abroad to earn money to send home
Asia Brunei Muslims in Brunei can now pay zakat harta - a form of almsgiving and a religious obligation, next after prayer in importance - on their account through eZakat Harta Wang Simpanan platform, promoted in alignment with the Digital Economy Master Plan 2025
Asia Bahrain Bahrain’s Alba, aluminium smelter, will continue pursuing mergers and acquisitions, particularly in Europe, after its multi-billion-dollar agreement with Saudi Arabian Mining Company Maaden will be officially signed, presumably in the first half of 2025
Europe Switzerland Drivers will be allowed to use self-driving technology on Swiss motorways and let go of their steering wheel starting 1 March 2025; following the decree recently adopted by Federal Council, they must be ready to take control at any time
Europe Finland On New Year's Eve, a demonstration took place in the Helsinki metro with over 200 protesters gathering to oppose the imminent increase in public transport fares by Helsinki Region Transport
Africa Eswatini 15 rapes were recorded during the festive period from 25 December to 1 January, the Police Information and Communications Officer commented the number as 'shocking', confirming rape cases have been on the rise in Eswatini comparing 2024 to 2023
Oceania Samoa Samoa Airways has been ordered to shift from the international terminal at Faleolo Airport to the new USD9,12 million regional terminal; the airline reportedly said it was not given any choice and the change will impact its services to and from Pago Pago
America Dominica Dominica Water and Sewerage Company Limited announced that the physical implementation phase of the strategic water sector development project is approaching, after having been under consideration for a long time
America Canada Much of Canada is under a weather alert this weekend, with forecasts going from the -40°C in central areas to 110km/h winds on the Atlantic coasts, that would be also at risk of flooding due to heavy rain, and high waves
Europe Portugal The Convent of Christ in Tomar, a World Heritage monument, will undergo two requalification projects in 2025 for 5,2 million euros, fully funded by the Recovery and Resilience Plan to "give new functional values and qualified visiting conditions"