11. A Skilled Immigrant or Expat is not your enemy, but your friend.
I have many expatriate friends who tell me that working here has been a big inconvenience. There are a lot of paperworks, and lots of payments, over and under the table. It was almost as if people think it was patriotic to make your life hard and expensive for working here because you were getting a job away from a Filipino.
Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration announced that they have record revenues. Is the immigration department supposed to be a money making thing?
If I were a businessman who owns a hotel with a parking lot, and the hotel business stinks, but the parking is earning good money, maybe it is time to think that the business could be improved if I offered free parking.
IF the Philippines can attract skilled immigrants, it should be encouraged. Well educated immigrants are almost always positive for a country. In fact, half of Silicon valley startups are founded by immigrants (mostly Indians and Chinese. Several notable tech companies were started by a Filipino immigrant – Dado Banatao), and these companies hire huge numbers of US workers. Over 25 percent of America’s Nobel laureates are foreign born, and 40 percent of their doctorates in computer and engineering are foreign born. Economists disagree on a lot of things, but almost all agree that the United States is a much more prosperous country, and has a lower unemployment rate by being open than by shutting its doors.
When skilled professionals live and work on a place, they benefit the place with their expertise, and create opportunities for everybody. On the other hand, losing your best people to work overseas is probably the worst, and least sustainable way to help the economy.
May 20th, 2010 at 4:26 am
many people welcome tourists — because they have the dollars that they can milk!
May 21st, 2010 at 9:01 am
the brain drain of the philippines OFW phenomena is probably incalculable. but it has been suggested that it could be in the area of $8B. what we need are less restrictions to encourage foreign investments. having said this (1) there is no point granting incentives to companies that are investing in minerals, for example, as regardless of incentives, they need the minerals and will profit from these (2) the two biggest barriers to investment in the philippines are (a) the perception of unstable government policies that seemed to be changed on a whim (b) corruption. but other countries are corrupt. why does the philippines “suffer the most”? i think its because the corruption is inefficient – and results in clearly “un-leveled” playing fields.
May 24th, 2010 at 4:07 pm
I know the words of the men that says to be living is the meaning of life. That is what you meant right?
May 25th, 2010 at 9:34 am
I will have much to say on the different levels that corruption can destroy on subsequent articles. yes, some kind of corruption are more damaging than others.
May 30th, 2010 at 4:50 am
change the consitutional ban of foriegn land ownership and make us competitive worldwide for the foriegners to invest and live in…
this protectionism is a curse to the modern global economy…
if only we can forget flags and nationalism and concentrate on economy
May 31st, 2010 at 9:47 am
I agree with Dondi, on Phil corruption being inefficient. I remember when I did my grad course work in Economics I was told of a booty capitalism that is somehow making other corrupt countries manage to improve their economies. The book was written by Paul Hutchcroft, but never had a chance to grab a copy of that book. (like the Taipans of Hong Kong, the chaebols of Korea and the kereibatsus of Japan and of course the oligarch of the Philippines)
May 31st, 2010 at 2:13 pm
Hi Adrian, thanks. I am trying to …. corruption is inherently bad, but some are worse than others. Petty corruption is not so much, its an additional business expense. Everybody pays a little tong , and those that don’t pay is just a little bit inconvenienced. But when people in power use corruption to create monopolies, or deny others, then it can be a tool that will create disruptions, create poverty, and reward the inefficient.
May 31st, 2010 at 3:55 pm
Of course, corruption is morally and inherently wrong..
July 8th, 2010 at 5:46 am
“Meanwhile, the Bureau of Immigration announced that they have record revenues. Is the immigration department supposed to be a money making thing?”
…and then Filipinos wonder why so many foreigners do not invest in their country. Especially when so many see them as walking ATM machines.
On the opposite end, there are foreigners & foreign corporations that need to be restricted or punished for their unethical, unmoral & unconscionable acts towards the Filipinos – those who outright abuse the people, the land/resources & system. Make the system fair for all to compete but do not restrict those who are willing to invest in the country with a positive outcome.
July 10th, 2010 at 12:26 am
the best talaga ang beaches ng boracay, ayos na ayos ang whitesands at babes.*”;
July 16th, 2010 at 11:06 pm
that’s debatable..
i’ll borrow one from ur relevant qoutes..
“a lame cat is better than a fast horse if the objective is to catch mice.”
my point is pag super yabang ung expat at minamaliit tau.. i deport na agad!
October 13th, 2010 at 12:50 pm
i tried doing paid online surverys and some of them pay a great deal of money`:”
October 24th, 2010 at 11:16 pm
i am done with paid online surveys, most online paid survey schemes are actually scams-”"
December 20th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
i do paid online surverys and also monetize my blogs, both are good sources of passive income -::
January 25th, 2011 at 3:16 pm
;~” I am really thankful to this topic because it really gives up to date information **`
September 14th, 2011 at 5:56 am
Amaze! Thank you! I always wanted to produce in my online site the like.