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.

Guidelines Call for Chinese Pay to Rise With Inflation

Salary reform could lead to reduced job opportunities
Kang Yi
July 11, 2008

Labor Row

Immigrant laborers find tough taskmasters in the oil-rich Gulf nations
June 30, 2008

Spain, Like US, Grapples With Immigration

Neighboring nations throughout Europe question policies that “regularize” illegal immigrants
Jason DeParle
June 19, 2008

As It Tries to Cut Costs, Wall Street Looks to India

Indians' good English skills, education, and lower salaries appeal to more than just call centers
Saritha Rai
October 8, 2003

A Missing Statistic: U.S. Jobs That Went Overseas

Cheap foreign labor worsens domestic unemployment
Louis Uchitelle
October 5, 2003