As a developed country, Singapore faces a aging population crisis problem where there are insufficient newborns to replace the older generation. With women focusing more time and energy on career nowadays, it seems many of the solutions of encouraging birth are futile.
A measure the government has been taking these years was to import foreign talent to aid and maintain a sufficient number of working population to support the country.
Foreign working population assistance have proved itself to be quite effective and helpful over the years. According to a survey, companies that rely on foreign labour want the government to grant allowance for the quota of foreign workers that can be hired to be raised.
Calls have came strongest from Contractors and Manufacturers, from which Foreign workers form 70% of the working force.
But even as almost half of the companies surveyed are unhappy with the quota being set, it seems that the government is still unwilling to compromise on this matter.
Some disadvantages and fears the government have in mind include:
- Dilution of national identity with the unhealthy mix of foreigners
- Dying away of our own local unique culture with the "Westernization"
- As more and more foreigners take up jobs in various sectors, there would be less jobs for locals who are perceived as less capable as foreigners, aggravating the problem of unemployment
- Expected pay for foreigners would be different from local pay. Gap present would cause much unhappiness amongst the employees of mix nationalities
- Cost of living would be raised unhealthily as foreigners increase property prices
Meanwhile, the government should continue its efforts on the most "healthy" solution, that is to encourage more birth amongst local mothers.
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