Singaporeans' grouses about foreign workforce

In a group, I know, which consists of foreigners and Singaporeans were talking about living in Singapore.  I was saying that our government being first world did not list out the air transport regulations online like what UK, USA and Canada did.

One person replied that we are not in a position to question why it was not listed, reason being we are not in their position to understand why they did not do so.

Probably I do not understand why they cannot list the regulations but I do know to purchase the regulations will cost 300 SGD and I suspect that is the reason why a reference was not provided.

The conversation went on to about how it was good to be a foreign expat in Singapore as some feel expats are valued more than locals.

There were discussions on living in different countries, about how other countries have more liberty like Thailand although the people there were less affluent. I feel besides freedom, in these countries, the pace of life may be slower, and the competition is less strong as people there can afford to move away from the cities to the countryside.

Singapore is small with little resources  and hinterland, in addition, we are facing more competition from other cities. In this respect, I do agree, that there are some merits in the government's liberal foreign manpower policy.

On the other hand, one could understand the worries of Singaporeans in area of jobs, education, healthcare and housing. For local males, there are additional burden of 2.5 years/2 years national service.

Added to that is the perception that most foreigners are here for the benefits and the standards of their qualifications are questionable (this I can attest personally) while locals are told by our government to welcome and integrate with them.

One of the foreign member mentioned that Singapore has good city planning, compared to her country.

I could understand why she feels so, being from a middle income family in her country, she is somewhat privileged, and our country has provided her with the opportunities which means locals were deprived a chance.

However, I agree that compared to other cities in SEA, people here enjoy relatively comfortable and safe living environment, and we should treasure it.