If political pressure became strong enough, rich countries might decide to squeeze foreign labour whatever the economic price.

ECONOMIST: Too much or not enough?

Foreign students tend to tolerate poorer working conditions, and the supply of cheap, brilliant, foreign labour also keeps wages down.

ECONOMIST: Why doing a PhD is often a waste of time

"The aim is to restructure the economy away from dependence on the foreign labour force, " says Credit Suisse's economist Mr Wan.

BBC: Singapore: Economic slowdown opens foreign labour debate