Career

France needs foreign talent for labor shortages in 38 occupations

France is currently grappling with labor shortages across 38 occupations, spanning diverse industries such as construction, healthcare, IT, engineering, agriculture, and manufacturing, as reported by the European Labour Authority (EURES). Remarkably, this shortfall persists despite the country recording a 2.4% job vacancy rate in 2023. A comprehensive report from EURES on shortages and surpluses has pinpointed specific occupations currently in high demand in France.

Most Sought-After Jobs in France

  1. Accounting and bookkeeping clerks
  2. Agricultural and industrial machinery mechanics and repairers
  3. Applications programmers
  4. Bricklayers and related workers
  5. Building frame and related trade workers not elsewhere classified
  6. Business services and administration managers not elsewhere classified
  7. Cabinet makers and related workers
  8. Cartographers and surveyors
  9. Civil engineering technicians
  10. Concrete placers, concrete finishers, and related workers
  11. Cooks
  12. Domestic cleaners and helpers
  13. Earthmoving and related plant operators
  14. Electrical engineering technicians
  15. Electronic mechanics and servicers
  16. Financial and insurance brand managers
  17. Forestry and related workers
  18. Healthcare assistants
  19. Human resource managers
  20. Information and communication technology operations technicians
  21. Manufacturing managers
  22. Mechanical engineering technicians
  23. Metal processing plant operators
  24. Mobile farm and forestry plant operators
  25. Nursing associate professionals
  26. Pharmaceutical technicians and assistants
  27. Physiotherapists
  28. Power production and plant operators
  29. Printers
  30. Real estate agents and property managers
  31. Sewing machine operators
  32. Developers and analysts not elsewhere classified
  33. Plant machine operators not elsewhere classified
  34. Structural metal preparers and erectors
  35. Tailors, dressmakers, furriers, and hatters
  36. Telecommunications engineers
  37. Vocational education teachers
  38. Welders and flame cutters

This shortage implies that individuals in these professions from foreign countries may find increased opportunities for employment and obtaining a work visa in France. Interestingly, a September 2023 report underscored the crucial role played by immigrant workers in the French economy, some of whom work without a valid permit and are considered essential by certain members of President Emmanuel Macron’s parliamentary majority.

Occupations in Surplus Demand

Conversely, some occupations in France are already in surplus and, therefore, no longer in need of foreign talent. These include 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.

How to Apply for Work in France

International applicants from countries other than the European Union, European Economic Area, and Switzerland are encouraged to search for jobs within the in-demand occupations and secure a job offer from a French employer before applying for a work visa. The application process for work permits to hire foreign employees has been online since April 6, 2021. The following steps are involved:

Step 1: If employment levels need to be checked before hiring, the employer must publish the job offer for three weeks in a public employment agency (Pôle Emploi or Apec) before applying for the work permit.

Step 2: Submit an online application for the work permit on the dedicated portal.

Step 3: Receive confirmation by email that the application has been submitted.

Step 4: If the work permit is issued, both the employer and the foreign employee will receive it by email.

Step 5: The future employee must attach the work permit to their visa and/or residence permit application.

Analysis of the Work Permit Application

The Ministry of the Interior oversees the process, reviewing:

  • Employment levels in the relevant profession and region.
  • Alignment of the foreign national’s skills, experience, and qualifications with the job requirements.
  • Employer’s adherence to employment and social protection legislation.
  • Employee’s compliance with regulatory conditions for the specific position.
  • Terms of employment and remuneration, ensuring comparability with other employees in similar roles.
  • A proposed salary meeting or exceeding the statutory national minimum wage (SMIC) of €21,203.00 as of January 1, 2024.
  • Provision of accommodation arrangements by the employer for foreign nationals in France.

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

Related Articles

Back to top button