Cross-Border Labor Mobility in Current Century: Modern Slavery, Human Trafficking, and Migrant Labor

This chapter delves into contemporary cross-border labor mobility, delineating key dimensions. It examines the impacts of globalization and technological advancements marked by intensified international trade, investment, and enhanced transportation, which have particularly heightened migration in recent decades. Additionally, it elucidates migrants’ preference for developed nations despite resident resistance. The chapter also probes migrants’ enduring ties to their home countries, often motivated by remittance obligations. Moreover, it scrutinizes the alarming prevalence of slavery-like labor practices in the contemporary world, including human trafficking and forced labor. Lastly, it addresses challenges arising from the surge in cross-border refugees and asylum seekers, influenced by shifting national borders, civil strife, political instability, and governmental oppression.