Asia: Government, Public Sector

How much time can government agencies reasonably claim when refusing FOI requests on resource grounds? A recent Information Commissioner decision examines DFAT's 113.75-hour processing estimate for sanctions-related documents, clarifying when complexity, sensitivity and specialist review requirements justify substantial resource claims under section 24AA of the FOI Act.

China's new exit and entry regulations introduce significant changes affecting technical personnel, individuals with cross-border assets, public officials, and intermediary service providers. The provisions strengthen authenticity reviews, connect technology export controls with travel restrictions, and establish a comprehensive framework for managing cross-border movement while balancing national security with legitimate international activities.

On 23 July 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, issued Press Note No. 3 (2026 Series) a document whose brevity belies the significance of what it achieves. In a little over two pages, the Government of India has quietly dismantled one of the most longstanding restrictions in its FDI policy architecture: the blanket prohibition on foreign investment in inventory-based e-commerce. The caveat, however, is precise and deliberate: the permission is confined exclusively to exports of goods manufactured or produced in India.