Rumors are that something similar will happen in Singapore, with the foreign pilots who were laid off in the big cull 12 months ago taking second place to unemployed and underemployed locals when hiring resumes.
Quite a few Singaporean pilots lost their overseas jobs and are back home twiddling their thumbs, in addition to SQ A380 drivers whose fleet had a 30% chop in aircraft numbers.
I wouldn't be surprised if every airline on the 9V register had to advertise locally and show that no suitable candidates were available before an employment visa could be issued to a foreigner.