Millions of gig workers in China could benefit from stronger labour protections under proposed rules announced Thursday that would mandate online platforms sign employment contracts with them. The draft measures from China's Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security require internet platforms that "recruit, organise, and manage workers...

adb.org (Sept 2026) This report examines how countries in Asia and the Pacific can develop more inclusive and resilient social protection systems that reduce poverty and vulnerability, promote social inclusion, and strengthen resilience to shocks and long-term stresses.

ilo.org (30.09.2026) Expanding social security coverage in the informal economy: China's experience and lessons examines the approaches taken and challenges faced by China, Kenya and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in developing social security systems, expanding coverage and strengthening digital administration. The report finds that the three countries face several common challenges.

beinsure.com (28.09.2026) PureHealth has launched an AI-powered document processing system for the National Insurance Company – Daman, targeting faster and more accurate health insurance operations in the UAE. The technology is expected to process more than 60 mn documents annually for Daman, which serves over three million members across the country. PureHealth said more than 80% of documents are expected to be converted into structured digital data, reducing processing times from days to minutes.

moneycontrol.com (21.09.2026) The guidelines say, “NPS Swasthya seeks to enable subscribers to build a dedicated corpus for meeting retirement expenses while facilitating access to health insurance and healthcare-related services through the ecosystem established under NPS architecture.” The scheme will have an NPS Swasthya investment account and a separate super top-up health insurance policy. The insurance policy will be mandatory for enrolment. Any individual eligible to join NPS can enrol in NPS Swasthya.

consumeraffairs.com (17.09.2026) Workers with unstable hours, incomes, or employment were far less likely to have access to employer-sponsored health insurance, a new study found. An estimated 14.6 million low- and middle-income U.S. workers had volatile incomes, while 11.4 million experienced substantial swings in weekly hours. Researchers warn that Medicaid work requirements and Affordable Care Act changes taking effect in 2027 could disproportionately affect workers in volatile jobs.

chinadaily.com.cn (11.09.2026) Over the next three years, China will seek to enroll more flexible workers, migrant workers and people in new forms of employment in the basic medical insurance system, according to a notice issued on Tuesday by government departments led by the National Healthcare Security Administration. During the period, new enrollment and contribution models tailored to people in new forms of employment will be explored, while services for flexible workers will be improved to make enrollment easier, the notice stated.

ilo.org (02.09.2026) Digital labour platforms have opened new income opportunities for many Cambodians, but workers in the fast-growing ride-hailing and delivery sectors face long working hours, income uncertainty and gaps in social protection, according to a new study by the International Labour Organization (ILO).

db.org (August 2026) Drawing on experiences from across the region, it explores how digital technologies can improve the design, delivery, and coordination of social protection programs. The brief highlights the role of digital governance, connectivity, digital identification, interoperable systems, and payment platforms in expanding coverage and improving responsiveness to shocks, while emphasizing the need to address privacy, security, and exclusion risks and ensure that vulnerable groups are not left behind.

arabnews.com (20.08.2026) Pakistan has launched a digital pension verification system that allows pensioners to complete the process remotely, ending the need for routine visits to banks and making pension disbursements faster and more convenient. The move is part of the government’s broader effort to digitize pension administration and reduce the paperwork faced by retired public sector employees.