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.

For Many in U.S., Money Talks Even as Jobs Walk

Americans are anxious about outsourcing, yet their spending seems to support the practice
David Streitfeld
May 6, 2004

Germans Brace for Longer Workweek

German workers agree to more work hours in exchange for keeping industrial jobs in Germany
Heidi Sylvester
July 30, 2004

Kuala Lumpur Cracking Down on Illegals – Again

Soaring crime rate in Malaysia leads to tougher measures, which include jail for foreign workers and their employers
Leslie Lau
August 12, 2004

EU Faces Rise in Welfare Migration

Recent accessions and legislation spell out future increase in “bad” immigration to Western Europe
Hans-Werner Sinn
July 12, 2004

Exploding the Myths of Offshoring

Far from damaging the economy of the United States, offshoring should enable its companies to direct resources to next-generation technologies and ideas - if public policy doesn't get in the way.
Martin N. Baily
July 1, 2004