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.

Indian Companies Are Adding Western Flavor

Working in a global market means more than learning your trade.
Saritha Rai
August 19, 2003

Exploited and Far from Home, Some Au Pairs Are Mistreated

Eased licensing requirements leave au pairs in the hands of greedy placement agencies and abusive hosts
Anna von Münchhausen
August 15, 2003

Shell Workers Protest Planned Job Cuts

Upper-level Nigerian workers fear the oil company will replace them with expatriates as part of a global restructuring plan.
Mike Oduniyi
August 28, 2003

Brazil's Prized Exports Rely on Slaves and Scorched Land

Beneath the canopy of the Amazon rainforest lies a practice banned over a century ago – slavery.
Larry Rohter
March 25, 2002

Labor Flexibility to Be Boosted

South Korea considers easing regulations on the dismissal of workers.
Kim Sung-mi
July 31, 2003