The problem of ageing population...

Article- In U.S- GREEN CARD, In EU- 'BLUE CARD' (The Straits Times, 4/8/2007)

In this world of ours, it seems that there is an inevitable problem, and that is the problem of an ageing population. With the increased standard of living and better health of people around the world, people are living longer and yet, lesser babies are being born. As such, the problem of an ageing population arises. This will eventually lead to other problems and one would be labour shortage, where it is estimated that a third of all Europeans will be over 65 years old by 2050.

Consequently, countries are doing their best to vie for as many foreign talents to work in their countries as possible, which leads to the emergence of the recent 'blue card' by the European Union (EU). blue-card holders will be able to work in any EU member state, provided that they work in each country for at least a year before moving on. This is seen as a move to compete with U.S.'s green card to garner as many foreign talents as possible. However, there are many limitations to the effectiveness of the 'blue card', one of which being the exclusion of permanent residence rights. This refusal to view immigration as an opportunity rather than a threat will leave EU with no ability to attract talented migrants. Another limitation is the lack of a universal language as working in some of its member states requires the learning of German or Polish. This is a limitation that can never be removed.

As seen from the actions taken by several governments around the world to garner as many foreign talents as possible, the problem of a global ageing population is a crucial one. However, rather than vying for as many foreign talents as possible, would it not be better if governments from around the world work together to try to increase the birth rates of their respective nations and ultimately solving the ageing population problem?