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.

Say It With Numbers

Expect future product labels to show percentage breakdowns of source countries?
Nayan Chanda
February 6, 2013

Ambassador: Germany Needs Skilled Workers From India

Studying German language first would be helpful
February 4, 2013

Southern Weekly Reporters Confront China Censors

Chinese journalists call for censor chief’s resignation
January 8, 2013

How Chinese Economic Policy Could Save Club Med Countries

Special economic zones could ignore labor laws and offer low wages
Mohnish Pabrai
January 7, 2013

Tide Turns on Border Crossing

Declining birthrate in Mexico curbs allure for US immigration
Miriam Jordan
April 26, 2012