Company growth and new ventures fuelling jobs growth in the regions
Hiring outlook in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East (APME) regions remains steady in the fourth quarter of 2025, with 42% of employers expecting an increase in headcount, according to a new report.
ManpowerGroup's latest survey has revealed that the Net Employment Outlook in the APME is at 28%, similar to last quarter's findings.
According to the report, 42% are anticipating an increase in hiring, while 13% are expecting a decrease. Another 42% said they are not expecting any changes to their headcount this year.
Among employers planning to hike headcount, 41% attributed it to an increase in jobs stemming from company growth. A third of them (34%) also cited new ventures that require new positions. Other reasons cited include:
- Need the latest skills to stay competitive (28%)
- Tech advancements need more expertise (28%)
- Diversity efforts are opening new roles (28%)
- Specific projects need dedicated staff (24%)
On the other hand, employers planning to decrease their headcount attribute it to economic challenges that impact staffing (37%). Others cited:
- Market shifts lowering job demand (32%)
- Automation has reduced some roles (26%)
- Process improvements are consolidating roles (25%)
- Restructuring or downsizing (25%)
"Across Asia Pacific and the Middle East, employers are navigating a complex landscape with a steady hand, focusing on long-term workforce resilience. While expansion and diversification continue to drive hiring across the region, there is a noticeable shift toward more strategic talent planning," said François Lançon, Regional President, Asia Pacific & Middle East, ManpowerGroup, in a statement.
"Employers are rethinking how work gets done, aligning talent strategies with business continuity and adaptability. This reflects a broader shift toward workforce agility, where stability and flexibility go hand in hand."
Strongest hiring sentiments
Across the region, the United Arab Emirates registered the strongest hiring sentiment with a 45% Net Employment Outlook Score. This is followed by India (40%) and China (34%).
"Employers in the U.A.E. reported the strongest hiring intentions across multiple industry verticals, including Consumer Goods and Services (57%), Financials and Real Estate (57%), Transportation, Logistics and Automotive (53%), and Communication Services (46%)," the report read.
"Additionally, the strongest hiring intentions for the Energy and Utilities sector were reported by employers in India (59%)."
Overall, the Information Technology as well as the Financials and Real Estate sectors saw the strongest hiring sentiments in the APME region with 38% each.
