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.

India's Call Centers Face Struggle to Keep Staff as Economy Revives

Demands for higher wages threaten India's image as a low-labor cost alternative for US corporations
Ashok Bhattacharjee
October 29, 2003

Sleepy City Has High Hopes, Dreaming of High Tech

Foreign technology companies, seeking cheap and qualified labor, find it in India's smaller cities
David Rohde
November 20, 2003

After the Crossing, Danger to Migrants Isn't Over

Drug traffickers are dabbling in human smuggling, inciting violence in the American Southwest
Charlie LeDuff
November 11, 2003

Township for Foreign Workers Could House Up to 20,000 Under One Roof

Singapore seeks foreign construction workers – but wants to keep foreign habits under wraps
Imelda Saad
September 12, 2008

China's Outsourcing Appeal Dimming

Rising fuel prices force manufacturers on both sides of the Pacific to adapt
Ariana Eunjung Cha
September 11, 2008