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France grapples with labour shortages in 38 occupations and needs foreign talent

France is grappling with labor shortages across 38 occupations, spanning industries such as construction, healthcare, IT, engineering, agriculture, and manufacturing, according to the European Labour Authority (EURES).

This deficit persists despite the country’s job vacancy rate registering at 2.4% in 2023.

Specifically, a EURES report on shortages and surpluses identified the following occupations as the most sought-after jobs in France:

This suggests that individuals in the specified professions from foreign countries may have increased opportunities for employment and obtaining a work visa in France. In a September 2023 report, it was highlighted that the French economy heavily depends on immigrant workers, some of whom work without a valid permit, and these workers were considered essential by certain members of President Emmanuel Macron’s parliamentary majority.

Interestingly, some occupations are already in surplus and hence are no longer in need of foreign talent. They are:

Authors, building caretakers, cashiers, ticket clerks, gallery, museum, and library technicians, general office clerks, graphic and multimedia designers, journalists, artistic and cultural associate professionals, music teachers, PR professionals, shop supervisors, social work associate professionals, transport conductors, travel consultants and clerks, and visual artists.

International applicants from countries other than the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland  are therefore encouraged to search for jobs within the in-demand occupation and obtain a job offer from a French employer before applying for a work visa  

Since April 6, 2021, applications for work permits to hire foreign employees have to be done online on a dedicated portal.  Here are the steps involved:

Analysis of the work permit application

The Ministry of the Interior which has the responsibility of overseeing foreign workers, indicated the process for a work permit involves reviewing:

Upon online submission through the dedicated platform, the applicant receives a confirmation. Once validated, the applicant obtains an electronic work permit, required for visa application at the consulate and/or residence permit application at the Prefecture.

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