The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) will ease regulations on the hiring of foreign workers and implement several measures to support Singapore's growing manpower needs.
From 1 January 2008, the quota of S-Pass holders will be increased from 15% to 25% for all sectors to help meet the growing demand for mid-skilled, mid-level foreign workers. Companies can therefore employ more S-Pass holders in lieu of Work Permit holders. The 10% increase is expected to bring in another 50,000-100,000 new workers into Singapore.
To ease the manpower pressure in the booming construction, process and marine sectors, MOM will raise the dependency ratio of local to foreign workers from 1:5 to 1:7. Workers in the construction industry will only require 2 years of working experience from next March, down from the current 4.
The dependency ratio of local to foreign workers for the Marine sector will also be raised from 1:3 to 1:5 next year. The Manufacturing sector will be allowed to employ 6.5 foreign workers for every 10 Singaporeans, while the figure for the Services sector is 5 foreign workers to 10 locals.
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