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.

At France Télécom, Battle to Cut Jobs Breeds Odd Tactics

Circumventing rigid labor laws takes imagination
Leila Abboud
August 23, 2006

Safe Passage

The US eases its suspicions of foreign scientists and streamlines visa process
Geoff Brumfiel
September 11, 2006

Managing Globalization: Reducing Inequality – It's Not So Simple

Government policies can reduce economic inequality and increase public cooperation
Daniel Altman
September 7, 2006

To Give Children an Edge, Au Pairs From China

Demand in the US for Mandarin-speaking nannies has expanded in recent years
Gina Bellafante
September 7, 2006

Skills Outweigh Natural Resources – In Attracting Foreign Investment, Says Afeti

Africa must nurture talent to create jobs with its rich natural resources
Bennnett Akuaku
August 17, 2006