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.

US Textile Plants Return, With Floors Largely Empty of People

Automation cuts jobs
Stephanie Clifford
September 23, 2013

Russia Offers Fukushima Cleanup Help as Tepco Reaches Out

Irradiated water heads toward the Pacific
Yuriy Humber, Jacob Adelman
September 5, 2013

Many Wall St. Banks Woo Children of Chinese Leaders

SEC investigates for violation of US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
David Barboza
August 22, 2013

Afrikaners Reaping Colorado Wheat Threatened by Visa Cap

Wheat farmers depend on skilled crews from South Africa
Alan Bjerga
August 2, 2013

India Takes Lesson From China to Lure Workers to Garment Industry

Factories, seeking dependable labor supply, may try dorms
Amy Kazmin
July 30, 2013