By Pravin Periasamy
International trade is a cornerstone of global economic development, facilitating the exchange of goods and services between nations.
This interconnected and interdependent system characterises much of the globalisation phenomenon, with the transfer of skilled or knowledge workers playing a crucial role.
The movement of skilled workers across borders is essential for international trade, particularly in emerging technologies. This transfer of knowledge workers allows nations to access essential expertise rapidly.
While the economic benefits of the mobility of skilled workers are evident, critics of globalisation raise concerns about its cultural implications. Foreign workers bring not only their skills but also their values, ideologies and beliefs, which may differ from those of the host country.
Proponents argue that this diversity enhances cultural exchange, promoting liberalisation, progressivism and openness – qualities necessary for building resilient economies.
But scepticism towards foreign workers has grown. A survey by the Munich Security Index, which questioned 12,000 individuals across G7 countries, revealed that the majority viewed migration as the foremost global threat.
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Their primary concern revolves around potential conflicts arising from differing values and ways of life between foreign workers and indigenous populations. In their view, the perceived irreconcilability of these cultural differences challenges local cohesion and integration, potentially leading to community polarisation.
But others argue that all forms of economic trade affect local cultures, not just the movement of human capital. The trade of goods like tobacco and high-calorie, low-nutrient food products has been shown to disrupt local communities’ health despite widespread acceptance.
This raises questions about the moral parameters for what should be included or excluded from trade based on cultural considerations.
Despite its positive and negative consequences, international trade remains crucial for economic growth. It improves consumer access to products, equips firms with desired intellectual capital, and generates significant revenue for governments to benefit public affairs.
Given these economic benefits, it is important to facilitate the movement of essential foreign workers who are needed to take a nation forward.
However, concerns over the negative impact point to the need for better management mechanisms. Regulating this area ensures legitimate and comprehensive screening of foreign workers and disincentivising individuals with dubious backgrounds from entering the country unlawfully and disrupting local communities.
Effective regulation facilitates the mobility of skilled workers to benefit national development while keeping out potentially dangerous individuals. Canada’s “express entry” system, for example, conducts thorough health, security, language proficiency and employment verification screening on all foreign workers to reduce potential threats to local communities. Other countries could emulate and adapt such practices.
Globalisation through international trade has enabled the worldwide movement of intellectual capital, aiding economic development across the globe. These foreign skilled workers are crucial – their skills, up-to-date knowledge and expertise can transform entire industries, fostering a culture of innovation and technological pioneering.
The challenges in integrating foreign workers with local populations have prompted debates on the viability of trade in this area.
But concerns over potential clashes between foreign workers and local populations due to individual differences can be addressed through strategic regulation. Such regulations could constructively manage and integrate workers into local communities and ensure that everyone’s interests are protected.
By addressing these challenges proactively, nations can harness the benefits of globalisation while maintaining and even enriching their local cultural identities.
Pravin Periasamy is networking and partnership director of the Malaysian Philosophy Society.
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I do not think the issue is about losing local identity with migration. Highly skilled migrant workers do not have the problem of being accepted in Europe or seen as a threat for example Indian migrant workers, the IT types. Rather the anti is against the poor, unskilled migrants who crossed the seas, the mountains to reach Europe. There is this class aspect. Then there is another factor fear of radical Islamic people coming from Afghanistan, Syria ….. and the African continent. If a migrant is rich, there is no problem. Special visas with their investments.