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.

Business: A Jack Welch of Communists

Haier's CEO aims to create a global brand, even if he has to break a few things to do it
Sarah Schafer
May 3, 2005

Not Your Average Chinese Worker

Professional basketball player Yao Ming earns the title of "vanguard worker"
Edward Cody
April 29, 2005

India's IT Prodigals Return Home

India's economic potential reverses brain drain, brings expatriate workers home
Harsh Kabra
May 2, 2005

In Search of Stealth

Today's global businesses have created a new kind of expat
April 25, 2005

Nike Lists Abuses at Asian Factories

Shoe company toes the fine line between swift business and exploitation
David Teather
April 15, 2005