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.

Sleepy City Has High Hopes, Dreaming of High Tech

Foreign technology companies, seeking cheap and qualified labor, find it in India's smaller cities
David Rohde
November 20, 2003

After the Crossing, Danger to Migrants Isn't Over

Drug traffickers are dabbling in human smuggling, inciting violence in the American Southwest
Charlie LeDuff
November 11, 2003

The Voice of Labor

As the US presidential election approaches, the state of the unions is strong
July 23, 2008

Healthy Dose of Capitalism?

Do injury, disease, and even death have to be acceptable risks of many jobs?
Fatemah Farag
November 7, 2003

Compulsory Insurance Scheme for Migrant Sri Lankan Workers in United Arab Emirates

Rights advanced for migrant workers from Sri Lanka
Meraj Rizvi
October 30, 2003