From ST forum. Mr. Poh thinks
MOM too liberal about jobs for foreigners
MANY Singaporeans share the concern of Dr Lim Boon Hee in his
letter, 'Are foreigners depriving unskilled locals of jobs?' (ST,
Nov 2
.
He has highlighted a simmering issue that is troubling our
society.
Foreigners are ousting locals not only in unskilled jobs but also
in professional, executive and clerical positions.
With employers' penchant for young and cheaper foreign workers,
locals - particularly the older ones - struggle to find
employment.
I know of at least one private school where the majority of the
office staff are foreigners. In some schools, Chinese nationals
dominate the Chinese Department.
The crux of the problem is that the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) is
too liberal in its treatment of foreigners. A few examples, from
the MOM website, attest to this:
Spouses, parents, children (including the handicapped),
parents-in-law, stepchildren and unmarried daughters above 21 years
of age of professionals are allowed to be brought in, and these
people are allowed to take up e1/8mployment.
Foreign students studying here are allowed to work.
Companies can bring in foreign workers for attachment and
training.
Little wonder then that foreign workers have made huge inroads into
our society.
With the high cost of living, Singaporeans, too, need a job but to
their dismay they are being supplanted by foreigners.
The Government needs to address this issue seriously.
Poh Tip Twee
