This is from a mail list in the USA. Concerns are raised that increasing
the number of visas will cause a "brain drain" in the developing world. Any
comment?

>From: "Karl W. Feilder" <[log in to unmask]>
>To: "Professionals Forum" <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: RE: (PF) Foreign-worker H1B Visa
>Date: Mon, 6 Nov 2000 11:18:33 -0000
>
>Professionals Forum - http://www.russkelly.com/pf/
>
>Ladies and Gentles,
>
>I would have to agree with Kelly R, that South Africa will suffer greatly if
>the US relaxes its visa requirements.
>
>As the CEO of a South African company I have seen first hand the lure of
>Baywatch inspired dreams on our technical staff. I would have to concede
>that the daily violence in SA does present many with the catalyst to
>consider moving overseas, but as a former CEO of a US company I have to
>council them on the huge differences and challenges involved with moving to
>the US.
>
>Many countries in the world, SA included, have a skills shortage in IT. The
>solution is not for the richest countries to "steal" staff with offers of
>high salary and endless McDonalds. Whilst some may consider this as
>capitalism in action, it is not good for global stability or the global
>economy.
>
>I have, in the past, had discussions with various government leaders to try
>to "restrict" the ability of skilled staff to emigrate from their country of
>domicile. Some of you may think that a draconian move, but then you must
>realise that you live in a totally different society.
>
>If the movement of IT staff causes social chaos, and a breakdown of
>essential services, this will be to the detriment of the nation.
>
>Any other suggestions ?
>
>Karl
>
>Karl W. Feilder
>President & CEO, Greenwich Mean Time
>CEO, International, Sempres
>www.gmt.com
>www.sempres.com
>
> > -----Original Message-----
> > From: [log in to unmask] [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
> > Sent: 05 November 2000 15:10
> > To: [log in to unmask]
> > Cc: [log in to unmask]
> > Subject: Re: (PF) Foreign-worker H1B Visa
> >
> >
> > Professionals Forum - http://www.russkelly.com/pf/
> >
> > You hvae to  list  South Africa right upthere with India, Who as I have
> > heard has posted  strong  objects to the increased H1B visa as a
> > huge  Brain
> > Drain of thier countries resources
> >
> >
> > Large corporations tend to disable the unemployment with the buy
> > out offers
> > including the terms and restricts attached.  Offers are generally
> > to good to
> > bypass but do not allow the 40 plus set (more expensive employee) to be
> > counted on the unemployment rolls. Such deals skew the balance in
> > government
> > statements of un available technology resources towards importing
> >  cheaper
> > labor, unknowing of US  labor polices and corporate funny
> > business lobbing &
> > dinning the  congressional halls for favored treatment.
> > Cheaper labor and trimming benefits payments are the motto here.
> >



  -------------------------------------------------------------
  Patrick O'Beirne B.Sc. M.A. FICS.  Software consultant
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