The updates are designed to address shortcomings and inconsistent application of the current rules through increased simplification and cuttingadministration costs.
In addition, the administration is cutting American naval presence in the Gulf region from two aircraft carriers to one, representing budgetary sequester pressures as the reason.
Scottish Labour leader Iain Gray earlier accused the SNP administration of cutting 3, 000 teaching posts "in the good times" and leaving young graduates fighting for available jobs.