More restrictive rules governing foreign employees in the state have been announced by Singapore's government.

According to the Ministry of Manpower, its enhancements to the employment pass framework are part of efforts to manage the size of the overseas labor force.

Under the changes, a new assessment criteria has been drawn up that is scheduled to come into force from January 2012, extending measures intended to moderate the inflow of non-Singaporean workers, as demand grows during the economic recovery.

"Our aim is to avoid increasing dependence on foreign workers over the long term, by keeping the foreign share of the workforce at about one-third," the government department stated, adding that educational qualifications requirements are being tightened.

A recent poll by the ministry found nine out of ten foreign domestic workers in Singapore surveyed at the end of 2010 claimed to be satisfied with their employment, with many planning to remain in the state after their existing contract expires.

Posted by Kate Griffin