Why East Asian Countries Prefer Not to Have Many Immigrants

My recent visit to Taiwan and Japan brought me new insights into how these East Asian nations handle immigration. During my stay, I noticed that many of the low-paying jobs were filled by temporary workers from other Asian countries, such as Filipinos and South Asians. These workers typically stay for a short period to earn money, and then return to their home countries.

The Japanese and Taiwanese Approach to Immigrants

A striking aspect of my recent visits was the seemingly rational approach these countries take to immigration. Influenced by their experiences with migrant workers in the past, such as in Singapore, Japan and Taiwan do not aim to transform temporary workers into permanent residents or citizens. This pragmatic attitude is often attributed to their awareness of the consequences of cultural shifts and the political stability that results from maintaining a homogeneous population.

Reasons for Limited Immigration

One of the primary reasons for East Asian nations' cautious attitude towards immigration is that many of them have already reached a desirable population size. Furthermore, these countries often value cultural and ethnic preservation, a stance that is understandable given the unique historical contexts and the impact of cultural assimilation on national identity.

Other Countries' Approaches to Immigration

Many nations, including those in East Asia, adopt immigration policies that focus on skills and assimilation rather than sheer numbers. For instance, most countries prefer to attract migrants who are willing to integrate into the local culture and fill specific skill gaps in the labor market that are not available within the country. This approach is particularly beneficial in maintaining economic competitiveness on a global scale.

Shared Values and Their Benefits

Shared values such as a preference for group identity, political stability, and cultural preservation contribute to the overall cohesion of East Asian societies. These values also reflect a collective desire to maintain the integrity of the nation-state, which is an important aspect of national identity. Rather than becoming another country dominated by a diverse and often integrated minority, these nations aim to retain their cultural and political homogeneity.

Reasonable Concerns and Perspectives

Demonstrable concerns about immigration include xenophobia and a desire to protect local jobs. However, it is worth noting that immigration control should ideally be decentralized to better align with the specific needs and aspirations of different regions within a country. Overall, immigration policies that prioritize the well-being and stability of the nation-state are generally acceptable.

Concluding Thoughts

While immigration can bring significant benefits, such as filling skill gaps and boosting economic growth, the decision to limit its extent is a matter of cultural preservation and national identity. East Asian countries have found a balance between economic benefits and maintaining a homogeneous population, ensuring that they remain strong and cohesive nations.

Keywords: immigration policies, cultural preservation, economic benefits, assimilation, xenophobia