Import workers or export jobs?

The topic for the 2004 Shell Economist Writing Prize has been announced, and it’s all about migration:

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 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?

Write 2,000 words by 20 August, 2004, and you might win $20,000.

7 thoughts on “Import workers or export jobs?”

  1. I will like to know other benefits, in case one does not clinch the first position. Also, your email address to send the reply. Is anybody free to participate or for only higher level students.
    thanks.

  2. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THOSE ELGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE.
    WOULD THERE BE CONSOLIDATION PRIZES?

  3. I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW THOSE ELGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE.
    WOULD THERE BE CONSOLIDATION PRIZES?

  4. please, one nis required to write a 300 words synopsis for the essay. is the 300 words part of the 2000 words essay or are they on their own?
    secondly, must the essay words be strictly 2000 words or just anything below 2000?
    patrick

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