“Ethnocentrism is the quiet thief of progress—it convinces us that belonging is earned by birthright, not by contribution.”— Dr. Michelle Evans

For the past eighteen years, I have lived and worked in a country that prides itself on being “for the people.” Yet, I have come to understand that the phrase often means “for their people.” For many guest workers and expatriates like myself, ethnocentrism is not a concept—it is a lived experience, quietly shaping who gets heard, valued, and included.

Organizations across the world proudly promote diversity. They celebrate multicultural staff rosters and use global inclusion language. But when the E (Equity) and I (Inclusion) are missing, Diversity becomes merely cosmetic—a checkbox exercise rather than a cultural transformation. “When we use culture as a weapon instead of a bridge, we destroy the very fabric of community.” — Michelle Obama

Here, in a country that depends on foreign labor, many expats face unspoken barriers that prevent full belonging. We are welcomed for our skills, yet watched with quiet suspicion. We are blamed for the high cost of living, accused of “taking jobs” and “driving up rent,” yet few ask the real question—should we not have somewhere reasonable to stay if we are working here? Is it our fault that we rent homes within our means?

“To see others as lesser because they are different is to deny the very diversity that sustains humanity.” — Nelson Mandela

Despite contributing to the economy, we remain outsiders in the social fabric. We are befriended publicly but sidelined privately. Even in unions that claim to defend fairness, ethnocentrism quietly dictates whose voice carries weight. When you speak differently—by accent, heritage, or perspective—you risk being labeled, isolated, or conveniently forgotten.

For many, the dream of belonging is financially out of reach. Permanent Residency (PRC) applications can cost over $10,000, and other pathways up to $50,000. For those who must care for families both here and abroad, such amounts are unthinkable. These figures may be policy on paper—but in practice, they are walls.

“Diversity is being invited to the table. Equity is being given the same meal. Inclusion is being asked what’s missing from the menu.” — Dr. Michelle Evans

Ethnocentrism thrives where empathy is absent. It sustains the illusion of inclusion by allowing symbolic gestures to replace genuine connection. And in workplaces where cultural hierarchy persists, even the most talented foreign worker must prove—over and over—that their presence is not a privilege but a right earned through contribution and commitment.

“We are not taking space; we are creating value in the spaces we occupy.” — Dr. Michelle Evans

Guest workers are not invaders; we are innovators. We care for patients, teach children, clean streets, build systems, and keep institutions functioning. We don’t come to replace; we come to uplift, contribute, and belong.

“True inclusion starts the moment we stop asking who belongs and start asking how we can all belong together.” — Dr. Michelle Evans

If diversity is to have meaning, equity and inclusion must follow. Not in speeches, not in slogans—but in systems, policies, and hearts. Only then can we say we have built a workplace—and a nation—where belonging is not conditional, but collective.

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