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.

Pakistan’s Army of Overseas Workers Keeps Economy Afloat

Tax-free remittances curtail poverty, disrupt economic future
Khurrum Anis
March 26, 2013

A Report Card for Global Food Giants

None of the brands rank high in Oxfam report
Stephanie Strom
March 1, 2013

Immigration Reform and the American Worker

Immigrants actually boost job growth and wages
James Surowiecki
February 25, 2013

The Rise of the Robots

Governments should develop new policies as countries run out of jobs
Robert Skidelsky
February 21, 2013

Foxconn Union Heralds End of Cheap Era

China’s demographics are reducing supply of labor
David Pilling
February 12, 2013