Five high-risk countries for global operations

Companies are operating in increasingly complex regulatory environments with escalating compliance costs, changing labor laws, and significant penalty risks across multiple countries.

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Varis Logo | an ecom purchase tech company
Strongdm Logo | a software security company
Carlsberg Group Logo | an adult beverage company
WWF Logo | a wildlife activist organization
University of Arizona Logo | a public US university
CloudWay Logo | a software performance company
Varis Logo | an ecom purchase tech company
Strongdm Logo | a software security company
Carlsberg Group Logo | an adult beverage company
WWF Logo | a wildlife activist organization
University of Arizona Logo | a public US university
CloudWay Logo | a software performance company
Varis Logo | an ecom purchase tech company
Strongdm Logo | a software security company
Carlsberg Group Logo | an adult beverage company
WWF Logo | a wildlife activist organization
University of Arizona Logo | a public US university
CloudWay Logo | a software performance company
Varis Logo | an ecom purchase tech company
Strongdm Logo | a software security company
Carlsberg Group Logo | an adult beverage company
WWF Logo | a wildlife activist organization
University of Arizona Logo | a public US university
CloudWay Logo | a software performance company
Global growth creates access to new markets, talent, and opportunity—but it also introduces layers of regulatory complexity that are often underestimated. Based on recent enforcement trends and labor law changes, five countries now stand out as high-risk markets for global workforce operations.

Rapidly evolving labor laws

Limited transition periods for new regulations create immediate compliance pressure

Escalating compliance costs

HR costs increasing 20-30% due to new requirements

Operational disruptions

Regulatory violations can halt business operations

Significant financial penalties

Recent cases show penalties up to $45 million USD for violations

The five riskiest countries

Understanding these risks is the first step toward protecting your global workforce operations. Let's examine where the greatest challenges exist and how you can navigate them effectively.

Comprehensive support for established operations

If you're already established in these markets with significant operations, you don't have to go it alone. Many organizations have the business case to stay, but lack the specialized expertise to navigate complex local requirements effectively.

Our comprehensive approach leverages our 400+ in-country experts to handle the regulatory complexities you shouldn't have to manage internally.  You gain access to local specialists who understand both statutory requirements and cultural expectations; from navigating foreign investment compliance and evolving labor laws to managing benefits administration and employment contracts that meet local standards. Our experts handle the operational details that directly address the risks in these challenging markets—staying current with local tax and finance regulations, managing escalating labor costs, and ensuring HR policies comply with changing worker protection standards, helping you reduce risk exposure without disrupting successful operations. 

Strategic workforce optimization for new opportunities  

Whether you're looking to hire new talent or relocate existing team members, Employer of Record services enable you to access lower-risk markets without the barriers of entity establishment.

With 17+ years of experience across 187+ countries, we help you identify optimal locations for your specific roles—balancing talent availability, cost considerations, and regulatory stability. Rather than accepting escalating compliance burdens in high-risk markets, you can establish operations in strategic markets quickly and compliantly, with no entity required. Our experts guide you through the transition, ensuring you maintain operational effectiveness while reducing exposure to the regulatory complexities that create challenges in high-risk countries. 

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Talk to an expert who knows your markets

Operating in high-risk markets? Need help navigating compliance complexities or exploring strategic workforce optimization? Our specialists can guide you through comprehensive support, EOR solutions, and risk mitigation strategies, wherever you operate
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