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(SINGAPORE) The government plans to introduce new 'personalised' employment passes for foreign workers that will be tied to the person rather than a company - a move some industry watchers feel will be a boon to employers and attract a bigger pool of talent to Singapore.

The change - and other measures aimed at streamlining the immigration process - are part of a plan to counter economic and social problems that could arise from Singapore's declining fertility rate and ageing population.

'This will provide greater flexibility for eligible foreigners to stay and work in Singapore,' said Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng.

Manpower Minister Ng Eng Hen will announce further details, Mr Wong said. Although specifics are yet to be announced, industry watchers are already welcoming the move on employment passes. Phillip Overmyer, executive director of the Singapore International Chamber of Commerce, said employers will benefit from a broader pool of foreign talent.

'It would make hiring a more normal process with a larger group of people,' he said. 'It would give more time to employers and employees, so that you're not stuck in a situation where you've left your previous job and have only got a very short period of time before you have to leave Singapore.'

Mr Overmyer also believes more foreign talent would be encouraged to take root here. 'It would encourage more people to stay in Singapore, especially those on short-term contract assignments or younger people who would expect to take shorter-term jobs and develop a career in Singapore,' he said.

Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (ASME) executive director Gary Law, believes many employers, especially local business owners, will welcome the new scheme.

'From the SMEs' perspective, this will save them both time and money. Most employees in SMEs have to multi-task, very often the HR manager is also the finance manager or the business owner himself. This change will most likely assist in reducing the workload of the boss or the HR manager,' said Mr Law.

However, not every industry watcher reckons the move is a right one.

Chow Kit Boey, a former associate professor at the National University of Singapore Business School and a director of Business Research Consultants, believes it could encourage job hopping by foreigners. 'Also, if there is a downturn we may have a surge of unemployed foreign workers in the country . . . I think it's better to have the employment pass under the company,' she said.

Apart from the new scheme, Mr Wong revealed that the Ministry of Home Affairs will review its criteria to allow longer-term stays for eligible foreign graduates and adults who are looking for employment.

The population challenge was raised by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in his National Day Rally speech. He outlined a three-pronged strategy to boost population - maintain strong links with overseas Singaporeans, raise the birth rate and promote immigration.