Jobs are the lifeblood for national economies and family budgets. The search for economic opportunity often drives people to move around the globe. The most educated and highly skilled workers are in demand, and immigration policies often reflect that priority. Less skilled would-be immigrants, however, are often subject to tighter restrictions – even in nations where native citizens refuse to take on harvesting, construction, cleaning or other difficult tasks. Advanced technology reduces the need for labor; employers also rely on outsourcing, contract workers and the internet for digital work, including tax preparation, X-ray analysis or graphic design. Nations fiercely compete for jobs while multinational corporations reduce labor costs to increase profits.

Moments Before the Union, "Old" Europe Gets Cold Feet

Fear of an avalanche of migration is making the western states nervous about enlarging Europe
Shada Islam
March 3, 2004

Exporting People

A worsening economic crisis could spur the poor to seek jobs in new lands – or even to return home
Joseph Chamie
January 21, 2009

The Curse of Chávez’s Ghost

Maduro administration continues unsustainable government spending
María Elena Candia
March 27, 2015

Japan Can’t Close Door on Immigrants

Anti-immigrant sentiments block solutions
Kwan Weng Kin
March 25, 2015

New Fees, Regulations on Tap for Employers of Foreign Workers

New measures put in place after reports of Canadians displaced by foreign skilled workers
Tara Carman
February 23, 2015

Welcome To Brazil: The Effect of Immigration on the Country's Economy

Brazil attractive to skilled immigrants, but lacks robust strategy to retain talent
Arthur Pinheiro Machado
January 9, 2015

Apple “Deeply Offended” by BBC Investigation

Company insists it audits long supply chain
December 23, 2014