Portugal's average home price hit €430,500 in May 2026, driven by a housing shortage, high construction costs, labor deficits, and government support schemes that critics argue have inflated market imbalances.
Japan saw a 70% surge in business manager visa holders to 46,000 by mid-2025, with Chinese nationals forming about half. However, new visa rules introduced by the ruling LDP in late 2025 are causing concern among immigrant entrepreneurs like Nepalese national Budhathoki Samjhana, who fears expulsion despite contributing to the economy.
Japan's Immigration Services Agency will deploy AI tools and cyber patrols next year to identify and combat illegal foreign workers and employers, aiming to reduce overstayers amid labor shortages.
Hong Kong's construction sector is undergoing a digital transformation, driven by public investment and a "AI+" agenda. The Hong Kong Construction Industry (HKIC) is central to this shift, offering training in AI, robotics, and digital engineering to upskill the workforce and enhance efficiency and safety.
Restaurant operators in Japan have been forced to review their approach to hiring foreign workers since the government suspended the issuance of special visas needed to work in the sector, as the number of holders nears its preset quota. The sudden suspension by Japan’s immigration authorities has raised the spectre of fierce competition for foreign talent. Long known for its strict immigration policy, the country has been increasingly counting on foreign workers amid labour shortages. The...
China-made humanoid robots are beginning to gain traction in Japan, with models from Chinese firms Unitree and UBTech being deployed by Japan Airlines for baggage and cargo handling, highlighting the growing adoption of Chinese robotics technology as Japan grapples with acute labour shortages. Japan Airlines said last week that it would launch a two-year trial using humanoid robots for ground-handling operations at Tokyo’s Haneda Airport through a partnership with GMO AI & Robotics. Tasks in the...
Japan Airlines will trial humanoid robots at Tokyo's Haneda airport from May, becoming one of the first airlines globally to deploy androids for ground handling tasks. The 130cm-tall Chinese-made Unitree robots will move luggage and cargo on the tarmac, addressing chronic labor shortages amid a surge in inbound tourism. The three-year trial ends in 2028 and could lead to permanent deployment.
