In his budget speech of 23 February 2013, the Deputy Prime Minister announced a number of migration policies. One of them were "selective further Dependency Ratio Ceiling (DRC) cuts for sectors where there has continued to be significant growth in foreign worker numbers, and where productivity levels are still well behind international productivity leaders".

The tighter regulations include an increase in fees for both low-skilled permit holders and firms that employ low-skilled foreign workers, a reduction in foreign worker quotas and stricter guidelines for qualification. The announcement comes after rising concerns among locals over the growth of employment of foreign workers. The key changes have been outlined by the Ministry of Manpower on 26 February 2013 and are expected to enter into force on 1 July 2013.