Is it a lack of available, qualified new hires...or is it an inability to keep good pilots after a year or two in some of the south Louisiana garden spots?
I think the problem for the GOM companies right now is simply trying to keep pace replacing the pilots who are leaving after building enough time to fly somewhere else. That problem won't be solved with foreign pilots, they will eventually do the same thing.
Significant improvements in terms and conditions for experienced pilots is the one and only answer.