Competition

Competitions are great, esspecialy when u wont win.

Anyway

This year's competition poses the question: Import workers or export jobs? Should developing nations be allowed to 'poach' skilled professional labour from countries who have helped pay for this expertise? Or is the influx of immigrants, whether skilled or unskilled, a positive force, bringing either expertise or ambition and hard work to the host nation?

The following questions indicate the sorts of issues entrants may wish to consider, though they should not be seen as complete or definitive:

• It used to be the case that most immigration/emigration was of unskilled labour in the manufacturing sector; however, now the same applies to people in higher-paid technical, professional and service jobs too. In light of this, should developed countries open their borders to migrant workers? Or can they allow jobs to be outsourced to low wage countries?

• Is it right that some poor countries suffer the loss of skilled workers, such as nurses who come to the richer countries, seeking a better life, leaving gaping skills holes in their country of origin?

• What of the accusation of 'brain drain', where successful developing countries are accused of poaching skilled professionals from other countries? Is this fair? If not, what could be done to discourage it?

• How are countries with highly developed social welfare systems coping with increases in immigration, given that migrants may work for lower wages, but they cannot be denied the same employment rights as native workers?

• The notion of a fluid employment market where workers are free to follow jobs often tends to inspire fear. But is the fear justified? Does it mask the benefits and possibilities? Should countries give more thought to the "skills" and "needs" of their people?

• The history of the movement of people and populations shows how dynamically immigrants can change or benefit host countries. But when and how does it go wrong? Is it a question of balance? Or (and) of matching skills and needs?

• The debate on movement of people ranges from the rational to the emotional. What clarity can you contribute to mankind's choices over the freedom to move? What may it mean for the way we work? What may it mean for our sense of place, of residence, of identity and of local and global belonging?

The prize-winning essay will receive US$20,000 and will appear in the prestigious annual publication from The Economist: The World in 2005. Two silver runners up will each receive US$10,000 and five bronze award winners will each get US$5,000. All eight essays will be published on this website.

Start those database searches, of course since this isnt a uni assinghment you can have your own ideas....

Shel pump the oil that makes plastic, that makes your computer....