Home » Blog » Opinions differ about foreigners in Singapore
Walk down the busy streets of Singapore’s CBD and chances are that you’ll find more foreigners than locals. This is no surprise given the economy’s dependency on foreign talent.
According to a recent Straits Times report, Minister Mentor Lee Kuan Yew once again warned Singaporeans of the dangers of closing the country’s door to foreign talent.
It is interesting to note the number of times the Singapore Government has gone on record, stressing the importance of embracing foreign talent. And I would say, reasonably so. If Singapore has to maintain its position as a regional hub for various sectors it needs a highly educated, skilled and productive work-force. It also requires its fair share of lower skilled workers.
So why turn to foreign talent? Evidently, the local residents do not match up to the labour demand. Why? For starters, there is a brain drain with the cream of Singapore s educated class moving to foreign shores. Secondly, the available talent do not match the needs of the industry and Singaporeans refrain from taking up lower skilled jobs. Additionally, a greying population and a declining birth rate (thanks to the “stop-at-two” campaign in the 80s) doesn’t provide too much hope for the future.
It seems that Singapore has no other choice but to embrass foreign talent in order to fill the gap in local talent pool. Consequently, Singapore s immigration policies are liberal, there are adequate work visa schemes for various foreign professionals and talent, becoming a PR is relatively easy and PRs enjoy most benefits and privileges that are accorded to citizens.
Many of the local Singaporeans don’t seem to be happy about the foreign talent recruitment policy. There is a constant backlash by the local community who view foreigners as a threat to their jobs and don t like the fact that foreigners are on an equal footing (well almost equal) as them. No wonder, the government has a tough job to convince locals otherwise on this issue.
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