Easy Come, Easy Go?

Let's not kid ourselves. Most expatriates who come to work and live here don't do so because they want to make this place their home. Their primary reason is economic. That is, Singapore is a good place to make money. Our reason for attracting them here is also economic. Without the entry of outsiders, we may as well kiss goodbye to the good times. That was Deputy Prime Minister Wong Kan Seng's clear message to Singaporeans last week.

So...does this means that it's ok for them to leave Singapore after they had made their money? Are Singaporeans suppose to be understanding about this? Are Singaporeans suppose to be understanding on the fact that they come to Singapore, take our jobs, then leave? Come on! If expatriates are going to come and take our jobs, is it too much to ask that to stay for the long haul? To be here in good times and bad, it that too much to ask?

If it is, then we should place a "Come here, come all" and "Easy come, easy go" sign at Changi Airport. I mean that's the truth right? If expatriates come to Singapore during good times, they should be here during bad times. That's not about economics, that's about simple fairness.