We’ve all developed a negative perception of foreign workers and employers, thinking they are backstabbing the country but wait…
Ever thought about why employers prefer foreign workers before running social media campaigns and hashtags?
While some believe hiring foreign workers is necessary to fill labor shortages and bring in specialized skills, others may argue that it takes jobs away from locals and can even depress wages in some industries.
So, which answer is the right one?
On an honest note, most companies hire foreign workers for worth ethic, diversity, and, finally, cost savings.
Even if that doesn’t satisfy your tense mind, allow me to share some amazing insights into why employers may be choosing to hire foreign workers.
Why Do Employers Prefer Foreign Workers?
Well, the quick answer is – Companies only hire foreign workers when they are most suited for the job or the other way around. In most cases, they are hardworking, dedicated, and affordable, which makes them a priority among others.
Are you looking for a detailed answer? Worry not!
To help you with better insight, here are 7 reasons why a company may hire a foreign worker.
7 Reasons For Hiring Foreign Workers
Unique Skills
Most companies require unique skills that might not be easy to acquire in their states.
However, if they can take the risk of hiring foreign workers, this can give companies a competitive edge in their respective industries.
Moreover, these employees will also have global experience, which may help the managers boost their business and target a different audience.
Increasing Workforce
Most companies increase their workforce every year just for the sake of completing their long-term goals. Increasing the workforce is mandatory, but what if this step isn’t helping in surpassing your expectations or even meeting them?
This is when you must reconsider your definition of skilled workers and look to other countries for better talent.
Those with great skills and who have mastered what they talk about can be a great addition to your pool of employees. It can be a truck driver, web developer, or even a welder (maybe a foreign one or a local one, who knows!)
Global Perspective
No one can argue that the best sales manager or supply chain manager is the one with the most global experience. Similarly, whenever a company is looking to hire a person for such positions, they always aim to get someone from outside the dugout.
This helps companies to better understand cultural, political, and economic differences when doing business in other countries.
Language Flexibility
As mentioned above, if an employer needs someone for different jobs, there is no point in hiring someone and then giving them separate language courses when there are ready options available.
If you think which positions might need such individuals, some are listed below.
- Development Manager
A person with foreign language skills and cross-cultural competencies can help a company identify new business opportunities, build relationships with partners, and negotiate deals.
- Translator
Most companies hire extra translators to facilitate a proper commutation between two individuals when making a good business deal. This helps them to understand each other’s terms of service in a better way.
- International Marketing manager
Marketing requires exceptional knowledge of languages and mixing. People with foreign language skills can easily mix up in any community and execute effective global marketing campaigns.
Cost Savings
Though it may sound bad or selfish, a universal truth is that everybody wants to invest the minimum and maximize business profits.
Similarly, companies that are running low on budgets and cannot meet the salary requirements of national employees may look for an alternative, which includes hiring foreign workers (mostly from developing countries), which is a lot cheaper comparatively.
More Productivity
Foreign workers agree to work for less; that’s understood! But wait until I tell you another guesstimate law of almost certainty.
“Foreign workers are more creative.”
Jokes aside, since most foreign workers are always into working and making the maximum out of their time, they can work extra hours and offer better services. They can easily do multiple roles and fit into any team whenever needed.
This is mainly because of the ambition foreign workers have in their hearts for these jobs. Unlike normal employees, they understand why they moved to this specific country in the first place. Even more, they will not compromise on their performance just for the sake of some entertainment or sleeping hours.
Doing 3D Jobs
In 2019, more than 28.9 million foreign workers were in the US, making that almost 17 percent of the total. Keeping a rough estimate, most foreign workers must send some percentage of their families back home, which can be around 25-70 percent (just estimating).
In the chart, it can be seen that most of the Natives prefer working for those professional jobs, which may include management, sales manager, etc.
However, a little down further, the percentage of the same native workers becomes relatively lower, and the percentage of foreign workers becomes quite higher. The reason?
Well, like everybody, these foreign workers never mind working extra hours and earning a few bucks. They also don’t mind what kind of job they get, so why shouldn’t companies hire such employees?
Moreover, there have been situations in Malaysia where the salary for 3D jobs has been increased by 20-30 percent for hiring national employees. But sadly, there was no positive response received from the other side.
Why Do Foreign Workers Work Overtime?
Well, because they need money. Yes, you heard it right!
There isn’t any special reason for foreign employees to work hard and make extra bucks. Usually, they are a long way from home, and most importantly, they know their primary purposes, unlike national workers.
This is why they are much less observant of things like the type of job, status, or even pay. Usually, foreign workers only notice how much work they can put in and what the company can give them in return, which ends in both ends being satisfied.
Final Words
Now that you have finally understood why employers prefer foreign workers. Here are some final words of wisdom.
As an employer, it is always recommended to check for nationalists if they can serve their country in any possible way. However, there are many sacrifices a foreign worker may make for the sake of your success, but always keep the benefit of your country before your own.
However, if things have come to the final man standing and there is no other alternative. Make the necessary checks, and only hire people you’re willing to trust.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do employers find and recruit foreign workers?
Employers may find and recruit foreign workers through various channels, including job boards, professional networks, recruitment agencies, and government programs. Some employers may also sponsor foreign workers for visas or work permits to enable them to work legally in the country.
Are foreign workers cheaper to employ than local workers?
Foreign workers may be cheaper to employ than local workers in some cases, depending on factors such as the country of origin, the experience of the worker, and the wage rates in the local market.
Do employers have to follow special rules or regulations when hiring foreign workers?
Employers must follow specific rules and regulations when hiring foreign workers, depending on the type of visa or work permit being sought. These may include demonstrating that no qualified local workers are available and meeting minimum working conditions.
