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.

When Germans Join Migrant Field Hands, the Harvest Suffers

New regulations in Germany are making the employment outlook for Polish migrant workers bleak
Andreas Tzortzis
June 1, 2006

In Praise of Migration

Kofi Annan cites global migration as a triumph, not a pitfall, of modern civilization
Kofi A. Annan
June 8, 2006

Korean Hospitals Eager to Tap Overseas Patients

With government help, hospitals hone skills and build client base with medical tourism
Jin Hyun-joo
June 2, 2006

The Gauls at Home in Erin

Young adults abandon France for jobs aplenty in Ireland
John Tagliabue
June 2, 2006

Somalis Brave a Sea of Perils for Jobs Abroad

Inequality along borders breeds desperation and greed
Marc Lacey
June 5, 2006