Time to change our immigration policy?

In light of the discussions in the newspapers recently on Singapore becoming overcrowded, economic downturn with job losses, and crimes committed by foreigners, I think it is about time Singapore reviews her selection criteria of her immigration policy. IMHO, the selection criteria should base on three aspects:

1. Lack of minds - Singaporeans are known for our good minds on books and work processes but we do have a problem in finding a many number of creative and inspirational minds. We have no choice but to import and we always have use for people who can see things from different perspectives.
2. Lack of skills - So far, Singaporeans have been outstanding in manufacturing, engineering, financial, medical, and education but are still relatively weak in creative and performing arts, designing, advertising, etc. Even in fields we are strong in, we still have a long way to go in matching the developed countries and can use more external help.
3. Lack of businesses - If a certain business or industry requires resources that Singaporeans cannot provide, it will not be here. So if we want that business to gain a foothold here fast, then we really need to import wholesale, employers and employees alike.

Therefore, with such clarifications, we have no excuse to import workers for jobs which employers keep saying Singaporeans shun because the jobs are too menial or dirty. I am sure Singaporeans will take up any job as long as the price is right. Pay them enough for their efforts and their costs of raising a family here. When both the workers and jobs are valued highly, I am confident people will take pride in what they do and service quality will improve.

Sure, I can hear you screaming, two sentences earlier, "What about the cost? Higher salaries to workers means higher charges we consumers have to pay!" I say in the long run we will gain, because consumers will then appreciate anyone servicing them more and not treat them as though they own them. And even if consumers feel that by paying more means they can demand even more, is it worse than now?

And the bottom-line is, wouldn't it be more generous, more charitable, more patriotic to pay for the job of a fellow countryman, even if it costs more? Thus it's time. It's time to change. Put a cap to the number of foreign workers we import.