HOUSTON (Texas)- SINGAPORE can expect the number of foreign
workers to increase by at least 100,000 this year in response to
the demands of the booming economy, said Prime Minister Lee Hsien
Loong.
Speaking to the Singapore media here on Tuesday as he wrapped up
a six-day visit to the United States, Mr Lee said the government
had taken steps to moderate the number of foreign workers, but a
rise was inevitable given the strong growth.
He added: 'It cannot be helped because with the market so tight,
if we don't allow the foreign workers in, you are going to have
overheating.
'But we are managing the number of foreign workers. Their levies
are being calibrated to moderate the inflow.
'But even with that, I would imagine there would be more than
100,000 extra foreign workers this year. I cannot see it otherwise.
We have to accept that.'
The Ministry of Trade and Industry released fresh economic data
and estimates on Wednesday morning showing that Singapore's economy
could grow by 13 to 15 per cent this year, up sharply from the
earlier forecast of 7 to 9 per cent.
-- ST
Explain to me how letting in more foreign workers will prevent
"overheating" ?
I presume he means economy overheats as in grows too much.
By bringing in more foreign workers to work on projects, isn't
that going to grow the economy more?
Seriously, somebody please help me understand. 
