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.

Globalization Pushes More Women Into Informal Economy

A lack of employment opportunities and workers’ rights pervade sub-Saharan African states
Ama Achiaa Amankwah
April 28, 2008

America for Sale: 2 Outcomes When Foreigners Buy Factories

Worries can produce opportunity
Peter S. Goodman
April 16, 2008

Labor Pains in the Middle East

Oil money can’t hide the shortcomings of unsustainable economies throughout the Middle East
April 1, 2008

Why Africa Must Make Health Spending a Priority

Spending on health care reflects a society’s respect for the skill
Helen Nyambura-Mwaura
April 4, 2008

Guess Who's Getting the Most Work Visas

Outsourcing firms based in the US snap up coveted visas for talented foreign workers
Moira Herbst
March 17, 2008