What are they good for?

With news that the government is set to take a more lenient stance on the issue of allowing foreign workers into Estonia (reducing the amount of red tape from 'suffocating' to 'mild choking') comes the inevitable vox populi which highlights that - surprise! - Joe Average is overwhelmingly against the idea.

A survey has shown that two thirds of the population in no way support the importing of Johnny Foreigner. Interestingly enough, given what the last mass introduction of outsiders meant for their country, it was the Estonian-speakers who proved more tolerant of the notion than the Russian-speakers. Then again, that could be down to paranoid protectionism and/or inherent racism.

The reasons the respondents gave for their views varied. Of the few who support the idea, the main arguments proferred were the need for specialists and, less objectively, the inevitability of it all. Those condemning the plan did so because they don't like foreigners, are convinced that the Estonian people will be wiped off the face of the Earth and assume that there are huge untapped human resources in the country.

Those with such clearly well-informed views need fear not, however, for while the government may be increasing the numbers of people it will let in to Estonia, it will also be knuckling down to ensure that these numbers are not exceeded, which they have never really done in the past. Besides, even if they do shorten the time they are given to be generally unpleasant, unhelpful, unwelcoming and condescending towards potential residents from six to two months, the fact that such attitudes are unlikely to change may still see many applicants turning away in frustration and disgust anyway.